Inoue vs Butler LIVE: Result and reaction as ‘Monster’ secures late TKO
Relive round-by-round updates as Naoya Inoue stopped Paul Butler in Japan to become undisputed bantamweight champion
The Independent’s pound-for-pound No 1 boxer Naoya Inoue became undisputed bantamweight champion on Tuesday, stopping Paul Butler in the 11th round.
Japan’s Inoue had the home advantage at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, and he showed speed and power advantages from the early moments of the contest.
Inoue, 29, toyed with Butler, 34, before stopping the Briton with a hook to the body and a flurry of headshots in the penultimate round.
In doing so, the “Monster” stayed unbeaten and added Butler’s WBO title to his IBF, WBA and WBC belts. Next up, according to Inoue, will be a move to super-bantamweight.
Relive all the action with our blog below:
Inoue vs Butler
Meanwhile, Jung is 13-3-2 with three knockout wins. The South Korean is an orthodox fighter.
Inoue vs Butler
Home fighter Hiraoka is 21-0 as a pro, with 16 knockouts to his name.
A great reaction for the southpaw in Tokyo!
Inoue vs Butler
Two fights left to come: Andy Hiraoka vs Min Ho Jung at super-lightweight, then the main event between bantamweight champions Naoya Inoue and Paul Butler!
Inoue vs Butler
Takei vs Tarimo – Round 11
Two rounds to go. More chasing from Tarimo. Takei seems content just to avoid taking unnecessary risks or damage.
Now he unfurls a stinging uppercut as he’s backed up!
While chasing Takei, Tarimo literally grabs his opponent around the waist and drags him to the mat.
The fighters stand, and Tarimo resumes his chase. We’ll have a pause in the action as a doctor checks on Tarimo’s right eye, which is swollen and absorbing blood from a cut just above it…
And the fight is waved off!! Takei gets the win!
Inoue vs Butler
Takei vs Tarimo – Round 10
A counter right hook is on target for Takei as Tarimo hunts him down.
Tarimo is chasing Takei rather than cutting off the ring – a crucial difference.
A left hook clips Tarimo, then a straight one-two up top. Now Takei throws a one-two to the body.
Takei then gets on his bike, running around the ring.
Inoue vs Butler
Takei vs Tarimo – Round 9
Tarimo’s coach has suggested that his fighter needs a stoppage, which is probably a fair assessment. Four rounds for Tarimo to get the finish!
“Don’t let him breathe, Bruno!” shouts Tarimo’s coach in his gristly Australian accent.
Takei flings two hooks to the body, though the second is low, and he’s warned by the referee.
The fighters now exchange hooks to the head. They then grapple, with Tarimo briefly putting Takei in a headlock!
Inoue vs Butler
Takei vs Tarimo – Round 8
Again Tarimo gets physical, weighing on Takei and squeezing an uppercut through his opponent’s guard.
Takei is starting to look a little more worn down, sporting more damage to the face and moving a little more slowly.
Grazing shots from Tarimo in the corner.
Inoue vs Butler
Takei vs Tarimo – Round 7
This is the furthest that former kickboxer Takei has ever gone in a professional boxing contest.
He still looks to be in decent condition. Forward comes Tarimo, who eats a one-two for his trouble.
More grappling before the referee separates the super-bantamweights.
A lovely check hook is on the money for Takei. Tarimo lands his own left hook in close, before leaning on Takei on the ropes.
Inoue vs Butler
Takei vs Tarimo – Round 6
We’re approaching the halfway mark in this contest. Takei misses with a counter left hook.
Tarimo backs him up and targets the body, but Takei comes back with two harsh hooks. Now an uppercut.
Tarimo’s coach is still urging him forward, but Takei seems to be comfortable relying on counters, even if he can’t quite plant his feet; it may be worth Tarimo changing tack and seeing how Takei fares coming forward himself.
The fighters grapple, and Tarimo fires off short shots to the body of Takei. The clinch has been the space in which Tarimo has done his best work.
After they separate, Takei peppers Tarimo with a one-two while moving backwards.
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