Having given up the world title belt he won against Stuart Hall to pursue a second world title belt but at his more natural weight, Paul Butler has suffered disappointment.
Butler was supposed to be taking on the IBF super-flyweight champion Zolani Tete on October 25th at the Liverpool Echo Arena, unfortunately the South African has damaged his hand and has had to withdraw.
However, we?re assured the fight will go ahead at a later date with Frank Warren pointing out Tete is contracted to fight Butler.
Although Tete isn?t available it has been confirmed that Butler will still headline the event against an, as yet, unnamed opponent.
Speaking about the withdrawal of the champion, Butler has remarked,
?From the high of winning the world title against Stuart Hall in June, it was devastating news to receive that Tete had broken his hand.?
‘My team are all gutted after the work everyone has put in for this fight.?
‘On a positive note, the fight against Tete is contracted to happen and I look forward to getting the new date and I know that I will just have to wait a little longer to get my hands on a second world title.?
‘I?ll still be on the Echo Arena show, so the training hasn?t gone to waste, and I can put on a top performance before facing Tete.?
As for the injured champion, he has remarked to the media,
‘It is with deep regret that I must pull out of this much anticipated fight with Paul. I have selected to take the advice from my medical team because I am terrible pain from the broken bone. Therefore I will not be able to fight on the scheduled date. For this I sincerely apologise and thank you for your understanding.’
And lastly, from the promoter Frank Warren,
?It?s very disappointing for all involved, especially for Paul, who has put everything into this world title challenge against Tete.?
‘Unfortunately hand injuries are part of this business, but it doesn?t make it any easier when it happens.?
‘We?ll announce a new date for his fight with Tete shorty, but in the meantime he will still fight on the show so at least he will keep active and get some more rounds in before facing Tete.?
Like Frank Warren say, it?s a hazard of the game but nevertheless we understand just how disappointed both fighters must be.
Butler World Title Fight Off (For Now)
