BUTLER CHALLENGES FOR WBO INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE AT COPPER BOX ARENA

Super-flyweight sensation Paul Butler will challenge for the Vacant WBO Intercontinental title at the Copper Box Arena in London on Saturday 21st September, bringing the number of title fights to SIX on the grand opening night.

The British and Commonwealth Champion from Ellesmere Port aims to add a third title belt to his collection – with the challenger to be announced shortly – and knows that a win will also get him an important ranking in the WBO as he continues his march towards a world title.

Butler, who’s unbeaten in 12 fights with 7 knockouts, will feature alongside Billy Joe Saunders’ British Middleweight title showdown against John Ryder, plus Dereck Chisora challenging for the European Heavyweight title, Frankie Gavin defending his British Welterweight title, Liam Walsh’s Commonwealth and Vacant WBO International Super-Featherweight title fight against Joe Murray, and Mitchell Smith v Scott Moisesfor the Vacant Southern Area Super-Featherweight Championship.

All fights will be live and exclusive on the Channel of Champions BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).

Hard-hitting Butler put on a stunning performance against Najah Ali in June, stopping him in four rounds to retain his Commonwealth belt, but damaged his hand in the fight which meant he had to sit out of the Wembley Arena show last month.

“I’m delighted that my promoter Frank Warren has got me on the Copper Box Arena next month after missing out on Wembley Arena due to my hand injury.  I’m alongside the big names of British boxing like Dereck Chisora, Billy Joe Saunders, Frankie Gavin and Liam Walsh so it’s set to be a great night showcasing the best in British boxing,” Said Butler.

“Everyone has been talking about what a great venue it is and how it’s perfect for boxing so I can’t wait to fight there in front of my loyal fans and give them a show to really raise the roof with on the opening night,”

“It’s onwards and upwards towards the WBO Intercontinental title now and it’s a crucial fight to win to give me the ranking that I’m after.  I’m a long way off world titles, but I’m excited to be moving into world class and mixing it with these guys now.”

Butler, 24, is currently in Crete at a family wedding, but that hasn’t meant he has missed out on starting training for his big date next month.

He added, “While I’ve been out here I’ve been running up a few mountains and getting my core fitness training started.  It’s pretty hot out here, but it beats pounding the streets back home!  My hand is good to go now and when I’m back home with my trainer Anthony Farnell we’ll starting working on punching the pads and bag again.”

Tickets for the Copper Box Arena show are priced at:

£40 Upper Concourse

£50 Lower Seating Bowl

£70 Floor

£120 Ringside

And are available now from:

Eventim*

Box Office: 0844 269 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

*Tickets will be subject to a booking fee.