We analyse the credentials and statistics of British light-heavyweight rivals Zach Parker and Willy Hutchinson as the pair get set to contest an intriguing 175lbs domestic showdown on the undercard of Derek Chisora v Otto Wallin on Saturday 8th February, 2025.
The ripple effect of Turki Alalshikh delivering big fight after big fight is causing boxing promoters to provide better value for money on their shows.
In 2024, the UK fight scene lacked quality because the majority of big domestic fights landed in Riyadh.
As we reach February 2025, the signs are we will see a better product on these shores from Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren in particular.
And it is another Warren show, in early February, which features a compelling light-heavyweight clash between Zach Parker and Willy Hutchinson as the pair play chief-support to Derek Chisora's final dance on home soil.
But who will win and ensure their world title ambitions remain alive and well in 2025?
Let’s look at the 'Tale of the Tape'.
Zach Parker | Willy Hutchinson | |
Age: | 30 | 26 |
Nickname: | N/A | 'The Hutch Train' |
Height: | 6ft 0ins | 6ft 1ins |
Reach: | 74ins | 73ins |
Weight: | Light-heavyweight | Light-heavyweight |
Trainer: | Errol Johnson | N/A |
Record: | 25-1 (18 KOs) | 18-2 (13 KOs) |
Last Fight: | Won (TKO) v Jack Arnfield (July 2024) | Lost (SD) v Joshua Buatsi (September 2024) |
Once upon a time Zach Parker was the WBO number one contender in the super middleweight division.
Facing Canelo Alvarez was the ultimate goal, but, when that looked unrealistic, bringing former two-weight world champion Demetrius Andrade to the UK appeared to more than suffice.
The 'interim' world title clash was set for 21st May, 2022 at Parker's beloved Pride Park - the home of Derby County FC - only for a shoulder injury suffered by Andrade to ruin Parker’s big plans, and the biggest night of his career.
An acceptable plan B in the form of John Ryder arrived six months later but the disappointment continued for Parker when a broken right hand forced him to retire from the fight.
His opponent was awarded the win and went on to fight Canelo and Jaime Munguia, earning him two huge paydays.
Parker has bounced back with three victories since - each he was expected to win - and now faces the mercurial Willy Hutchinson, who is the odds-on favourite to add more misery.
But this could well be the night where everything clicks for Parker...
For that to happen, however, he must have an answer for every problem that the Scot offers and be hanging tough with him in the final few rounds.
If he can survive, and see it through to the latter stages, then he has a chance.
Strengths | Weaknesses |
Punch power | Content to coast |
Switch-hitting | One-paced |
Movement | Lack of tough opponents |
Chips away at opponents | Moving up in weight |
Willy Hutchinson burst on to the scene with fists and a fiery temper in 2024.
Injury and inactivity had looked as though they would be the toughest foe of his career, but all he needed was the right opportunity.
That duly arrived against Craig Richards in June 2024, when we saw the very best of the Scot, but also perhaps what may prevent him from becoming a world champion in the future.
Hutchinson opened up his box of tricks and bamboozled Richards for the long parts of the fight, but complacency and fitness almost cost him the win in the dying moments.
The biggest triumph of his career propelled him from Riyadh to Wembley Stadium, and more big-time boxing against Joshua Buatsi.
A fiery build-up brought out the best in the ice-cold Buatsi who carved away at Hutchinson, decking him twice.
Hutchinson was prepared to go out on his shield, however, and plucked away - earning the Londoner’s respect.
Buatsi’s win was deserved but the split decision was generous, however, to Hutchinson.
Against another cool and calm operator like Parker we must see what Hutchinson has learned over those two contests.
His stamina is being questioned and this time he has an opponent who, unlike Richards, can put him away if the opportunity presents itself.
A disciplined Hutchinson who can box to orders and pot-shot Parker can win on points but he is something of a maverick and a showman, which could prove to be his downfall in the final few rounds.
Strengths | Weaknesses |
Unorthodox | Lacks power |
Switch-hitter | Stamina |
Jab | Temperament |
Punch variety | Reckless |