Willy Hutchinson Takes Fourth Place on the WBC Light Heavyweight Rankings

Willy Hutchinson accomplished every requirement to take the No. 1 position on The Ring’s light‑heavyweight rankings, though he missed the actual placement. His victory over Joshua Buatsi for the vacant WBC title lifted him from seventh to fourth, leaving him just behind Callum Smith, Anthony Yarde, and Imam Khataev. Given his skill, Hutchinson appears to be the division’s top contender, potentially the best fighter behind champion Dmitry Bivol.

The Ring’s light heavyweight rankings
Champion: Dmitry Bivol

1. Callum Smith
2. Anthony Yarde
3. Imam Khataev
4. Willy Hutchinson
5. Najee Lopez
6. Joshua Buatsi
7. Radivoje Kalajdzic
8. Lerrone Richards
9. Albert Ramirez
10. Umar Dzambekov

Placing Yarde at No. 2 is illogical. He is emerging from a stoppage loss to David Benavidez, whose own exit to cruiserweights left the division in flux. Yarde would struggle to trouble Hutchinson unless he could gain inside control, which is unlikely. Facing Buatsi, Hutchinson dictated the pace, fluidly shifting stances and timing his hits. Yarde would likely be content chasing shadows, moving the fight toward lower rankings.

Smith offers the strongest argument among the trio, having already beaten Buatsi to claim the vacant title. That win keeps him near the summit, yet he has been idle waiting for a fight against Bivol while Hutchinson earned his world title by defeating Buatsi. Smith is deserved second‑place, clearing the path for Hutchinson to ascend to the summit.

Khataev remains at third, and his powerful hands could outrun Yarde, Smith, or even Buatsi if he pressured the action. However, Hutchinson still edges out Khataev thanks to his agile footwork and sudden changes in direction, forcing Khataev to reset every attack. Khataev would need superior ring cutting to challenge Bivol, a task Buatsi struggled to accomplish.

The Ring wisely omitted Artur Beterbiev from its current list during his layoff; his résumé awaits his return. Hutchinson delivered a fresh, championship‑level performance, earning his No. 1 ranking in a manner that justifies his ascent.

Source link