For months, it appeared that Buatsi was going to face Callum Smith in a sequel following their February 2025 barnburner that resulted in a decision win for the latter. But Smith finally got his WBO mandatory shot against Ring, IBF, WBA and WBO champion Dmitry Bivol last week, which ended the monthslong unknown next move for Buatsi.

But there is a silver lining for Buatsi — the fight against Hutchinson comes with the WBC interim title on the line. The winner would emerge in prime position to face WBC light heavyweight champion David Benavidez, who also holds the WBA and WBO titles in the cruiserweight division.

Buatsi is rated No. 5 by The Ring at 175 pounds; Hutchinson is seventh.

"Hutchinson is a young fighter. He said we were gonna run it back two years ago, so here we are," Buatsi said. "Something's at stake. If nothing was at stake, I wouldn't be here … This is what was put in front of me."

Buatsi (20-1, 13 KOs), who trains with Virgil Hunter in Northern California, returned to the win column last time out in November against Zach Parker.

Buatsi came into the clash against Smith having handed Hutchinson the first loss of his career by split decision in September 2024.

"In the changing rooms, I said, 'I'm gonna get ya,' and it took me two years, and now we're here," Hutchinson said. "I'm gonna win. I'm gonna win this time around – simple."

Hutchinson holds victories against Mark Jeffers as well as Ezra Taylor last time out in March since losing to Buatsi.

"We'll be prepared again," Buatsi said. "I don't have much to say. But when it's time to show up, and we're in there, I always say we're looking for 12 rounds or less."

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan