Sergio Mora argues Joshua Buatsi can simplify his rematch with Willy Hutchinson by sticking to a disciplined jab and compelling the counterpuncher to initiate the action. The difficulty lies in implementing that strategy without muting the devastating rib attack that defines Buatsi, or getting dragged into brawling the moment Hutchinson scores.

Two knockdowns secured the verdict for Buatsi in their first encounter, yet Mora insists the Londoner gave away unnecessary openings by working inside the telephone booth. The former world champion urges Buatsi to command distance, bag rounds on the scorecards, and make the Scotsman gamble.

“Buatsi can make it so easy for himself. I know he’s a great body puncher, and he makes fights entertaining. But he can make this fight so easy if he uses more boxing than fighting, and he fights a little bit longer. If he pops behind the jab. Let Hutchinson make the mistakes because Hutchinson, he’s a good fighter, he’s a good counter-puncher, but he’s a reactive fighter. He’s not a go-get-you fighter,” said Mora to DAZN Boxing.

Strategic compromises exist within that blueprint. Hooking to the body requires closing the gap through the danger zone where Hutchinson’s hand speed can intercept incoming fire. Boxing at range shields Buatsi from check hooks, yet it inevitably caps the number of flush shots he can sink downstairs.

Stabbing jabs into Hutchinson’s chest and solar plexus provides an answer. Buatsi can disrupt breathing without smothering his own reach, keeping the target moving while assessing whether heavier artillery should follow. The body work shifts from an all-out physical press into an earned sequence.

Sharper feints also disrupt a reactive opponent. Buatsi has no obligation to commit fully with every twitch. Subtle level changes and shoulder feints will pull Hutchinson out of his stance, leaving him off balance when he reaches for air.

None of this functions without banking early points. Hutchinson will gladly sit back if he is allowed to dictate the pace from the outside. Mora’s scenario of a stoppage depends on Hutchinson feeling desperate enough on the scorecards to march forward into incoming traffic.

“So if Buatsi can win some early rounds and get Hutchinson to come at him, I could see Buatsi running him into a right hand and hurting him, and dropping him and maybe stopping him,” said Mora.

Securing ring center anchors this entire setup. Forcing Hutchinson to circle eats away at the Scotsman’s legs while preserving Buatsi’s stamina for the late rounds. An active lead hand must continually penalize every reset.

Temperament presents the true obstacle. The moment Hutchinson lands an eye-catching flurry, Buatsi must fight his natural urge to fire back instantly in the pocket. Stepping back behind the jab after tasting leather will reveal whether Buatsi values tactical efficiency over raw violence.

Buatsi faces Hutchinson in a rematch for the vacant WBC light heavyweight title this Saturday, November 7, at Manchester’s AO Arena, live on DAZN.