Hutchinson: No added pressure in comparison
Willy Hutchinson insists he does not feel under any pressure to live up to expectations in tonight’s British and Commonwealth title fight – despite being compared to Joe Calzaghe.
The Livingston-born super middleweight takes on Lennox Clarke at the Copper Box Arena in London this evening and is looking to collect a 14th straight win.
Hutchinson’s promoter Frank Warren has not been shy in talking up the 22-year-old after comparing the fighter to legend Calzaghe – the longest-reigning super-middleweight champion in boxing history. But Hutchinson insists being likened to the Welshman does not bother him as he gets set to lock horns with Clarke (19-1-1).
He said: “What pressure have I got on me? I’m chilling. I don’t need to have pressure on me. As long as I can do what I can do there is no pressure.
“People can say who I’m like or who I’m not like, what I can do and can’t do. It’s about what I do not he night, it will show what I’m all about. This is my biggest test to date but I’ve boxed all around the word and boxed the best in the world. I’m here to enjoy myself.”
Hutchinson, who trains out of Dominic Ingle’s gym in Sheffield, admits collecting the two belts would be a huge achievement at such a young age.
He added: “It will mean a lot, I’m 22 years old and had 13 fight and this is another stepping stone to where I need to be. It’s a good fight, I’m not doubting that this fella is not coming to win. He can fight and so I can, I can only say there will be fireworks on the night.
“I’m more than ready and ready to become the next British and Commonwealth champion. My prediction is to go out there and enjoy myself and win.”