World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Paul Butler of Britain held a public training at Ohashi Boxing Gym in Yokohama on Dec. 8 before his title unification fight on Dec. 13 in Tokyo with Naoya ‘’The Monster’’ Inoue of the Ohashi gym, who currently holds the World Boxing Association ‘’super,’’ International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Council bantamweight titles simultaneously.

The 34-year-old Butler’s training included shadow boxing and punching bag hitting with a 30-second interval between rounds instead of a usual 1 minute. He sometimes switched from his usual orthodox stance to southpaw stance when hitting the bag.

After the training, Butler’s manager-cum-trainer Joe Gallagher responded to a pool coverage of the reporters.

Gallagher said Butler completed his necessary training back in Britain, which included sparring with partners with speedy jabs with Inoue in mind.

After coming to Japan (on Dec. 6), Butler spent his time feeling relaxed such as taking a bullet train, visiting Asakusa, the center of Tokyo’s ‘’shitamachi.’’ etc.

According to Gallagher, Butler got over jetlag because he said he slept well the preceding night. His weight is now 55.8 kg (123 lbs), and he is now cutting down his weight smoothly. Bantamweight weight limit is 53.52 kg or 118 lbs. 。

Touching on Inoue, Gallagher said he is an excellent fighter but leaves something to be desired in his defense. Butler also is a speedy fighter with punching power like Inoue. In this connection, he cited an example of Buster Douglas’ 10th-round knockout of then-unbeaten “Iron” Mike Tyson in their heavyweight title fight in Tokyo (on Feb. 11, 1990).

Asked about Butler’s strongest point, Gallagher said, ‘’He has a high IQ (intelligence quotient) in boxing and speed, adding Butler is an all-around boxer. He can use his forefoot and hindfoot freely. He can also box both stances (orthodox stance and southpaw stance).

When he was asked about Butler’s specific advantage over Inoue, Gallagher said it is a very delicate question but said the fight result will answer the question. He has a game plan, and the Inoue side also has a game plan. So, it depends on the outcome of the fight.

Gallagher brushed aside leading British bookmaker’s lopsided odds for Inoue as he cited Butler’s preceding fight, in which the bets on his opponent were higher. But Butler won the fight.

The scheduled 12-rounder will be held at Ariake Arena. The 29-year-old Inoue has 23 straight wins, including 20 knockouts. For his part, Butler has a record of 34 wins, including 15 knockouts, against two losses.
Photos by OHASHI BOXING GYM