Paul Butler on the verge of being crowned world champion after points win
- Joe Hewlett
- 25 April 2022
Paul Butler has described the 'unbelievable' feeling of winning the WBO interim world title against Jonas Sultan on the weekend.
Butler out-pointed the late replacement Jonas Sultan in Liverpool on Friday to claim the title.
The expectation is that the WBO will officially elevate Butler to the full champion and the 33-year-old and f so, he will become a two-time world champion.
Butler won the IBF crown in 2014 but soon relinquished his belt to chase honours at super flyweight and he admits it has been a 'long journey' to get back to the top of the 118lbs division.
Paul Butler has such a beautiful rhythm to his work
— Barry Jones (@BarryJonesBox) April 22, 2022
Butler was given the decision by all three ringside judges who scored the contest 116-112, 118-110 and 117-111 in favour of the local hero.
The new champion said: "It's unbelievable, what a feeling!
"I have waited a long time to be a two-time world champion.
"It's been a long journey and we only had 48 hours to come up with a game plan for Sultan but that's what I can do. I nullified the bull tonight."
Paul Butler outboxes Jonas Sultan to unanimous decision win in Liverpool, England to win the interim WBO bantamweight title. Scores were 116-112, 118-110 and 117-111. Gotta expect WBO to elevate Butler to full champion status after Casimero was twice unable to make a defense
— Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) April 22, 2022
Peter McGrail has warned the super bantamweight division that he is only going to get 'better and better' after recording a third straight stoppage win.
The Liverpool star halted Uriel Lopez in the fourth round after overwhelming the Mexican with yet another masterful display. McGrail, now 4-0, said: "I am going to keep getting better and better.
"And hopefully, in the future, there will be some big nights coming to Liverpool. We're the next stock coming through, and we will be bringing world titles back to this city."
Promoter Sam Jones added: "That was a great decision by the referee to stop the fight, Lopez was taking a lot of damage.
"This guy will be selling this arena out very, very soon and he will win world titles in numerous weight divisions. Get behind Peter McGrail - what a fighter!"
