Paul Butler wants to prove he has what it takes to win another world title after the Ellesmere Port star announced his return to the ring.

Butler experienced his first defeat as a professional in March when power-punching IBF world super-flyweight champion Zolani Tete floored him in the eighth round .

Having having had two months to come to terms with the loss, former IBF world bantamweight champion Butler confirmed at the end of last week his comeback will begin in Liverpool at the Olympia next month.

The 26-year-old – nicknamed the Baby-Faced Assassin – has regrouped with long-time trainer Anthony ‘Arnie’ Farnell and will take on an unknown opponent on Saturday, June 20.

Butler said: “For me it’s about getting in the ring and firing back into action.

“I can’t wait to return and start working my way into world title contention and proving to myself, my fans, the public and media that I’ll be world champion again.

“It was hard to take in the loss to Tete, but I lost to a world class fighter, simple as that. What’s happened has happened and now it’s about picking myself up and dusting myself off and getting in the ring again.

“The thought of quitting never went through my mind, I knew in my heart that I wanted to fight again, but I just had to get my head around the loss and get back in the gym which is what I did and I’m now ready to go. I want to be world champion again and the road back starts at the Olympia on Saturday, June 20.”

Butler out-pointed Stuart Hall last June in Newcastle to fulfil his ambition of becoming a world champion and had hoped to become the first British boxer in more than 100 years to win a second world title at a lighter weight when he challenged Tete.

Farnell has been impressed with Butler’s response to the loss to the South African and believes his man is now ready to start the process of hauling himself back into world title contention.

“Paul lost to a great fighter, there’s not shame in that, he fought the best and came up short this time, but now we’re ready for a second run,” said the trainer.

“A defeat can knock your confidence, but Paul went straight back into the gym after the Tete loss, he’s already been sparring, he’s got the bit between his teeth and I can see it in his eyes that he wants it bad.”