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:
THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
By Eric Armit, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 19 Nov 2025RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Porres-Narukami fight moved to Nov. 23
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Rematch for the ages
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 18 Nov 2025"Limping" Boston Showing Famed Celtics Pride
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 18 Nov 2025IIEE-Trocio Engineers defeated Splashers Lawyers in the BPBL Opening
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025ThunderDome 52 Card Preview
Tue, 18 Nov 2025Los Angeles Lakers may be under NBA gambling Investigation
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 18 Nov 2025PLAYER+ and BIBA Announce Official Partnership
Tue, 18 Nov 2025Roberto Racasa Claims 7 Medals at Asia Open International Memory Championships in Hyderabad, India
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025Bacnotan Pickleball Club Marks First Anniversary With Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 18 Nov 2025