PAUL Butler has been tipped to become the best in Europe.
The 24-year-old from Great Sutton will bid to become a double champion in March when he attempts to add the Commonwealth super-flyweight title to the British belt he already holds.
Butler’s trainer Anthony Farnell, the former WBU world middleweight champion, is excited by his protege’s development but has urged caution when he faces tough Nigerian Yaqub Karim at the Liverpool Olympia on Friday, March 8.
Farnell said: “This is a hard fight for Paul. African fighters are tough warriors, just like the Mexicans, so this will be a great learning fight for him as he heads toward world level in the next 12-18 months.
“Paul’s skills are improving every day and his power week by week. I’m pleased how he’s coming along and I’m confident in the next few fights he’ll be the best in Europe.”
Butler’s fight against Commonwealth title holder Karim will be shown live on the BoxNation channel.
Butler won the British title last November, defeating John Donnelly in the opening round with a crushing body shot.
The former Vauxhall Motors ABC amateur has marked himself as one of the best young fighters to watch out for in Britain.
Unbeaten in nine pro fights with four KOs, Butler is eager to put on another devastating show, but has promised not to be careless against Karim.
He said: “After winning my last fight against Donnelly the temptation is to go out all guns blazing and try to take Karim out. But he’s the champion and he deserves respect.
“I’m expecting a hard fight against him. He’s a tough African and he won’t be coming over here to just give up his title without a fight.
“I’ll be looking to do Ellesmere Port proud on the night.”
Big-hitting Karim has stopped his opponent in seven out of his 10 wins, with only two losses and a draw. He won the title in August 2011 with an eighth-round stoppage of Cobbina Johnson.
Tickets for the bout are priced at £30, £40 and £60. They are available from Eventim on 0844 249 1000 or online at eventim.co.uk.
