Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson will have to sweat it out to learn when and where they will meet.
The WBO held a hearing on June 24 to determine the promotion’s rights to the interim light heavyweight title. The decision was made after a ten-day negotiation period ended without an agreement between the two British rivals.
“On June 2, 2024, this Committee issued an order to negotiate between the parties involved in the matter,” the chairman of the WBO Championship Committee Luis-Batista Salas informed all parties of the decision reached A ring. “The parties have been given 10 days to come to an agreement or the money-buying process will be ordered in accordance with the rules governing the WBO. The previous period has passed without an agreement being reached.
“Therefore, in accordance with Sections 11 to 14 of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contest, it is HEREBY ORDERED that the appeal for money be continued on Monday, June 24.”
In the main event of the Purse Bid Heads team, the event will be broadcast live on the WBO social media channels.
The minimum bid accepted is $300,000. The purse will be split 50/50 unless the fight takes place in either boxer’s home country. In that event, the visiting opponent will get the better end of a 60/40 split.
Buatsi of England (18-0, 13 knockouts), No. 3 of 175, represented by BOXXER. Hutchinson of Scotland is inspired by Queensberry. Both fought in England, although Hutchinson’s most recent win—and career best—came in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Hutchinson (18-1, 13 KOs) entered the picture just one day after his June 1 victory over Craig Richards in Riyadh. Time passed without an answer to England’s Anthony Yarde (25-3, 24 KOs), The Ring’s No. 4-rated light heavyweight, will he commit to the fight against Buatsi.
The suspended promotion rights were a point of contention in the planned round of negotiations between Buatsi and Yarde. Queensberry was listed by the record’s promoters, although Yarde disputed that he was a free agent.
That difference, in fact, was the direct cause of the delay in getting this fight lined up earlier this year.
There is no such concern in the latest round of negotiations that he ordered. Hutchinson proudly represents Queensberry in the company’s celebrated 5-vs-5 tournament with Matchroom Boxing. His victory over Richards started the tournament and paved the way for a sweep.
It marked the fifth consecutive victory for Hutchinson, who is about to face a second title fight.
Buatsi was previously in the running to challenge for the WBA title. However, every part is attached to the holding pattern.
Artur Beterbiev (20-0, 20 KOs) and Dmitry Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) will clash on October 12 for the undisputed championship. A conference meeting between the top two light heavyweights comes with all of the light heavyweight titles at stake. Beterbiev No. 1, WBC, IBF and WBO champion. Bivol No. 2, has held the WBA title since 2017.
Their meeting was scheduled for June 1. However, the fight was delayed for four months when Beterbiev suffered a torn meniscus during training camp. His injury was the reason the WBO offered the interim title fight. The winner will become the WBO mandatory challenger in the rescheduled Beterbiev-Bivol rematch.
