When considering the Matchroom versus Queensberry 5v5 event, the wider boxing public considered every match-up on the card to be a 50/50 affair. All, that is, except for the light-heavyweight showdowns.
Of course, Dmitrii Bivol (23-0) versus Malik Zinad (22-1) could not be counted, as Zinad was a last minute opponent in a bout that was not technically considered to be amongst the 5v5.
This, then, leads to the Matchroom versus Queensberry liaison between Craig ‘Spider’ Richards (18-4-1) and Willy ‘Braveheart’ Hutchinson (18-1). In the pre-fight build-up, it was suggested that Hutchinson looked nervous or uncomfortable, in sharp contrast to the acute and alert Richards.
Aside from these pre-fight antics, it was also suggested by many that age and experience would be key deciding factors, with Richards poised to be entering his prime years whilst Hutchinson had much less professional experience.
However, Hutchinson had been one of Scotland’s most decorated amateur boxers and, on June 1st, that pedigree was all but apparent.
And so, set to open the historic card, and with the world backing the ‘Spider’ who had gone the distance with Bivol and Joshua Buatsi (18-0), Hutchinson had to make a statement.
From the opening bell, it was utterly apparent that a statement was to be made. Using effective switch-hitting and clever, unflinching output, Hutchinson stumped Richards, who found little room for his jab to manoeuvre.
The ‘Spider’ attempted to spin his web, although the switch-hitting of Hutchinson confused the older man, who continued to head-hunt against the elusive Scotsman.
In the mid-rounds, under the thunderous instruction of new trainer Shane McGuigan, Richards began to move through the gears and increase the pace, which seemed to take a toll on Hutchinson, who began to tire under the pressure.
However, moving into the final championship rounds, Hutchinson would rally back with a sudden flush of strength and stamina. Relentless combinations would again reduce the ‘Spider’ to a docile creature; Richards would fail to use the pressure punches that he had found success with in the middle rounds.
In the highly entertaining bout, both men had been sufficiently wobbled, but Hutchinson had controlled the fight for all but a few meagre rounds. Many had expected Richards to not only win, but win within the distance. However, age and experience played a part in a different way; with many lay-offs and inactivity, the older Richards showed clear signs of age against the aggressive, younger Hutchinson.
At the end of twelve rounds, Hutchinson would earn a unanimous decision win over Richards to win the WBC Silver Light-Heavyweight belt. Thus, Hutchinson has inched his way towards the top table of the division.
And so, the elusive Hutchinson has silenced his critics and earned the respect of many, whilst proving his worth in the light heavyweight division in the process.
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