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:
Sims vs. Barboza and Dickens vs. Cacace Headline Doubleheader on DAZN
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 14 Mar 2026Rubilen Amit sustains amazing run of victories at WPBA Pool in New York
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 14 Mar 2026Weights Set in Anaheim: Barboza Jr. and Sims Jr. Ready for Welterweight War; Collazo Defends Titles
Sat, 14 Mar 2026Rising Young Star Yoenis Tellez Takes on Top Contender Brian Mendoza in New Co-Main Event of PBC Pay-per-View Event Available on Prime Video Saturday, March 28
Sat, 14 Mar 2026Five USA Boxers Qualify for Medal Rounds on Day Six of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Sat, 14 Mar 2026Rubilen Amit off to hot start in her WPBA debut
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 14 Mar 2026Pavel Sosulin stops Victor Nagbe to remain unbeaten at IBA Pro 15 in Saint Petersburg
Fri, 13 Mar 2026Nicaraguan Boxing Commission hold Annual Awards to 2025 winners
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 13 Mar 2026BARBOZA JR. VS. SIMS JR. FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 13 Mar 2026Skye Nicolson Headlines Huge Matchroom Boxing Homecoming in Melbourne as New Kayo Sports TV Era Begins on April 29
Fri, 13 Mar 2026Five Boxers Advance on Day Five of 2026 World Boxing Futures Cup
Fri, 13 Mar 2026Canoy to fight Balidio on March 14 in Matanao
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 13 Mar 2026Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Lopez vs. Gallegos’ at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, Tomorrow Night at 8 pm EDT
Fri, 13 Mar 2026Jonny Mansour Takes on William King as One Half of a Double Main Event at Frontwave Arena’s SD Fight Night: Family Business on Saturday, April 18, 2026
Fri, 13 Mar 2026Rising Contender Jalen “Skywalker” Walker Signs with Wise Owl Boxing
Fri, 13 Mar 2026