PAUL Butler faces the biggest fight of his life on Friday night – in what will be one of his last for Vauxhall Motors ABC before turning professional.
The highly-rated 21-year-old flyweight is on the verge of reaching the pinnacle of an amateur boxer’s career.
Butler will take on the Army’s Adam Whitfield in the 51kg final at the ABAE Elite National Championships at the world-renowned York Hall venue in Bethnal Green, London.
And the Great Sutton fighter is determined to close the latest chapter of his burgeoning career by teaching his opponent a lesson.
Butler said: “I’m confident, I’m feeling very relaxed and I’m ready. I’m not doing anything special, I’m treating it as a normal fight, although I know it’s important.
“I’ve boxed him before at a fight in Chester and beat him there, I schooled him for two rounds, even though I knew I wasn’t fit.
“I’ll be looking at turning professional regardless of what the result is on Friday.”
The bout, along with every other match-up on the bill, will be webstreamed live by Ricky Hatton’s Hatton TV at www.player.brandhatton.com
The stream will be free to view although viewers will need to register their details in advance before logging on.
Butler said: “I’m used to being in front of the cameras now, it doesn’t faze me. I’m better at dealing with the pressure.”
If Butler sees off Whitfield for the second time it will be the first senior title of his career.
Butler’s matchmaker and father, Paul Snr, said: “It’s the pinnacle of boxing and that’s the standard he’s at now. We’re going to speak to a few of the professional people. We’re very excited.”
