The World Boxing Organization (WBO) Bantamweight champion, Paul Butler (34-2, 15KOs) looks set and ready to face unified (WBA, IBF & WBC) Bantamweight king Naoya Inoue.
Every title holder aims to become an undisputed champion and Paul Butler therefore believes the Japanese has an eye on his WBO title.
The self styled ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ who was elevated to the status of full WBO Bantamweight champion in April this year after his scheduled fight with the then title holder, John Riel Casimero was cancelled by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC). It was claimed that Casimero was taking dangerous steps to make weight.
With the Brit now alert for an undisputed fight with Naoya Inoue, he has made known his readiness if Inoue’s team head to his direction ;
“We’re ready to go. I’d pack my bags tomorrow. He’s the fighter that’s number one in my weight class but that doesn’t mean I’m not a huge fan of his. How couldn’t you be? I’ve been in with a few world class fighters, but Inoue is just something else,” Butler told DAZN.
Butler also disclosed that Inoue’s team have already made steps for an undisputed fight and predicts that it’s going to happen this year
“Talks have been had about an undisputed fight and Inoue’s team want the fight to happen next before he looks on moving up, so that means this year. Undisputed is everything to him and he can’t do that before he fights me. I’m desperate for the fight and I’m going to go over there and give it everything I’ve got because that’s what it’s going to take to beat a fighter like Inoue.”
Naoya Inoue (23-0, 20KOs) looks very hot and untouchable stopped the then WBC Bantam titlist Nonito Donaire in the second round to add to his WBA (Super) and IBF World Bantamweight titles.
With Inoue’s incredible knockout ratio (86.96%) and Butlers experience, an undisputed fight between the two is indeed going to be an interesting one to watch.