Light-heavyweight contender Willy Hutchinson scored the win of his career by outscoring Craig Richards in Saudi Arabia. 

Richards was the pre-fight favorite, but Hutchinson boxed well and earned the decision.

“What a tough fight, but I rose to the occasion,” said the Scottish winner. “I got the job done and now everyone can see what I’m all about. I’m just grateful to be here, every day is a blessing from God, never mind winning titles and being with my friends. This is not even a team. These are my friends outside of boxing.”

Hutchinson was saluting his team having kicked off the avalanche of victories that followed for Queensberry Promotions as they squashed Matchroom 5-0.

“I’m having fun winning titles while enjoying myself,” said Hutchinson.  

“We rose to the occasion and we will rise again. He’s a helluva fighter. He can fight for fun, but listen, I’m coming into my age now. I’ve always had strength. I’ve always had that power, but you’ve just seen it there, I’m a level above and I’m ready to push on and become world champion.”

At the post-fight press conference, Hutchinson – who is now 18-1 (13 KOs) – said he was open to facing anyone. Richards had given both Joshua Buatsi and Dmitrii Bivol some of their hardest nights. 

“Anybody,” Hutchinson said, when asked who might be next. “I think I showed myself on the world scene today. So anyone. Let’s fight them all.”

Hutchinson, from Carstairs, also said it was important he was having fun and that was a motivation behind him fighting. 

“First and foremost, I fully enjoyed myself,” he said. “That was one of the things I wanted to do. I wanted to go in and half enjoy the things that I’m doing. Because what is all this for if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing. I beat him and I beat him good, didn’t I? And I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”