It’s fair to say Willie Hutchinson does not rate his Saturday opponent.

Hutchinson is scheduled to face his fellow British light heavyweight Ezra Taylor at the Co-op LIVE in Manchester, England.

The bout had never really been in the cards as Hutchinson chased down a rematch with Joshua Buatsi after picking up an impressive stoppage against Mark Jeffers in October. Hutchinson was pushing to avenge his loss to the Londoner in 2024, but after Buatsi’s poor showing in his victory over Zach Parker in November, it left Hutchinson with few options for his next bout. That was until Hutchinson bumped into Taylor at ringside following Buatsi’s win. The pair clashed and had to be pulled apart by security. Ten days later the fight was signed.

“Yeah, well listen, I never heard about this fight ever, until [the clash at ringside],” Hutchinson told BoxingScene. “And he's the only option that we have, so it is what it is. I'm looking forward to it, I'm looking forward to getting in the ring and getting the job done.”

The 13-0 Taylor has looked good as a professional, but he has yet to test himself against one of the big names domestically at light heavyweight. The most notable name on Taylor’s record is former English 175lb titleholder Troy Jones.

“He's a good British level fighter, but that's all he is, isn't he?” Hutchinson said. “I believe I'm probably the best light heavyweight champion in the world, No. 1 spot.

“Troy Jones, who on earth is Troy Jones? No, that's being rude, actually. No, but yeah, he's had them fights and, listen, he's looking to make a name for himself and he's calling me out. It is what it is. We'll get it on.”

So, will a win over Taylor push Hutchinson back into the big fights?

“Not really, will it? He'll just push me on to the next fight,” Hutchinson said. “You beat Ezra Taylor, and he's just fought Troy Jones, whatever you call him. But it is what it is. It's [Saturday] when I fight him and it's money in the bank, isn't it? So I'll just move forward with my career.”

Tom Ivers is a lifelong fight fan and former amateur boxer who has a master’s degree in sports journalism. Tom joined BoxingScene in 2024 and is now a key part of the UK and social media teams.