Japan’s Naoya Inoue took another big step in his sterling career with an 11-round technical knockout victory over Paul Butler on Tuesday to become the undisputed bantamweight champion.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Champion, who also held the WBC and IBF belts, added to his trophy cabinet the WBO belt, which was held by his opponent, and became the first undisputed bantamweight champion in history and the first from his country to do so.
The Ariake Arena, in Koto-Ku, was packed to see its great idol seeking the feat. Inoue put on a great display of boxing and power to defeat the Briton and dominate the 11-round fight.
Butler tried to contain the home fighter’s pressure throughout the bout, but it was impossible for him to surprise him on the counter-attack or create danger on the Japanese’s humanity. Inoue cut the ring to his opponent and was patient to get the moments to hurt him until in round 11 one of his combinations sent Butler to the canvas, who was in bad condition and forced the referee to stop the actions.
It was the 24th career victory for Inoue, who is undefeated and has knocked out 21 opponents. Butler, meanwhile, has a record of 34 wins, 3 knockdowns and 15 knockouts.
