BRIT star Paul Butler faces fearsome puncher Naoya Inoue in a huge unification fight.
Unbeaten Japanese sensation Inoue – who is Mike Tyson’s favourite boxer – holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles, with Cheshire ace Butler the WBO champ.
Butler, 34, has been promoted from interim WBO titlist to full champion.
He had also been at the top table before, winning the IBF bantamweight title in 2017.
While Inoue – nicknamed ‘The Monster’ – has won all 23 of his fights with 20 wins coming by stoppage.
Butler told BBC Sport: “If I get the gameplan right, I believe I’ll win.
“It’s a tough fight. I’ve got to stay switched on.
“Inoue deserves his title as pound-for-pound king.
“Everyone knows what he does well. He puts people away and stops people.”
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When is Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler?
Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler takes place on Tuesday, December 13.
The main event is expected at around 12.30pm UK time – this is 9.30pm in Tokyo.
The undercard kicks off from 10am UK time.
The Ariake Arena in Tokyo plays host.
What TV channel and live stream is Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler on?
Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler is currently not scheduled for TV coverage in the UK.
In the US it will be on ESPN+, and it will also be on dTV and Hikari TV in Japan.
Who is fighting on the undercard?
- Main event: Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler – for WBO, WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles
- Yoshiki Takei vs Bruno Tarimo
- Andy Hiraoka vs Min Ho Jung
- Takuma Inoue vs Jake Bornea
- Satoshi Shimizu vs Landy Cris Leon
- Hironori Miyake vs Peter McGrail
