Target Practice: Inoue Pounds a Retreating Butler All Night Until Butler Falls in the 11th
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 13 Dec 2022
The Japanese 'Monster' Naoya Inoue became Asia's first four-belt undisputed champion by knocking out Paul Butler of England in the 11th round at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan Tuesday night. Inoue is now the sole bantamweight king with the WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF and Ring belts tucked his waist.
Inoue made Butler a target practice but Butler made himself an elusive moving target by putting his hands on high guard and running all over the ring round after round. Apparently, Butler's plan was to survive Inoue's onslaught and end the fight on his two feet. Inoue, a little bit frustrated in the latter rounds, tried every trick to make Butler engage and open up including putting his hands behind his back and letting himself exposed within striking distance of Butler but the Englishman would not take any chances.
Even then Butler has been on the receiving end from Inoue's punishing body shots and crushing head blows as the rounds progressed. Probably sensing a weakened Butler, Inoue came in strong and fast in the 11th round pounding the WBO champion with lethal head and body shots. Butler, with his hands still covering his head, finally fall to the blue canvas like a tree that is being cut. Butler tried to beat the count but fell down again flat on his back.
Inoue has upped his undefeated record to 24 wins with 21 knockouts. Butler absorbed his third loss in 37 fights with 15 knockouts.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Ramon Cardenas-Leonardo Carrillo, plus two more 10-round fights added to Lester Martinez-Luka Plantic card
Wed, 08 Jul 202656th Annual NABF Convention Concludes with Resounding Success in Savannah, Georgia
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 08 Jul 2026IBA President Umar Kremlev: IOC had no choice but to accept lifting the restrictions on Russian athletes
Wed, 08 Jul 2026Martin dares Inoue, Casimero
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 07 Jul 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 6 JULY 2026: Abdullah Mason Stops Albert Bell in 12; Carrington Outpoints Palacios; Wins by Mossely, Sadjo, El Hadri.
By Eric Armit, Tue, 07 Jul 2026Quiñonero to fight again on August 28
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 07 Jul 2026MannyPay Global Launches U.S. Merchant Processing Division to Help Small Businesses Lower Payment Costs and Accelerate Growth
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Murat Gassiev to face Peter Kadiru for the WBA Heavyweight world title
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Bansilan, Tan rule Faith Run
Tue, 07 Jul 2026Teremoana and new Matchroom Boxing signing Zerafa confirmed for big August 12 card in Australia
Mon, 06 Jul 2026Jayson Vayson Returns to World Rankings
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Yor beats Salisad in technical decision, wants rematch
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026War, Chess, and Writs: Why Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II is Postponed, Not Scrapped
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Nabunturan wins 3-on-3 MMA
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026Clarion, Yanon suffer KO losses in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 06 Jul 2026