LONDON, OCTOBER 13 – Paul Butler goes in search of boxing immortality in December when he faces Naoya Inoue for the undisputed world bantamweight title. 

The WBO champion tackles Japanese hero Inoue, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, on Tuesday, December 13 on a historic night for the sport, promoted by Ohashi Promotion and Teiken Promotions in association with Probellum. 

Inoue holds the IBF, WBA and WBC belts and wants to clean up the division before moving up in weight – but two-time world champion Butler holds the missing piece of the puzzle. 

And the fighter from Ellesmere Port, in the UK, heads to the Land of the Rising Sun, fully intent on becoming boxing’s first undisputed bantamweight champion in half a century and scoring one of the biggest away wins by a British fighter ever. 

Paul Butler said: “I’ve been boxing for over 20 years and all the successes and set-backs have led me here, to the biggest fight of my career, with the biggest prize in the sport on offer. 

“I am under no illusions as to the size of the task that faces me, but I have been going to bed dreaming of becoming the undisputed bantamweight champion of the world. 

“Inoue is a phenomenal fighter but not one person should be underestimating me, my skills, or my resolve.  I am going to Japan to write my name into the history of our sport.” 

Key fighter imagery and event artwork can be found HERE 
(Please credit Probellum if used) 

Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum, said: “It does not get any bigger than this, but Paul Butler is ready to carve out history, cause a seismic upset and return home as the undisputed world bantamweight champion. 

“We all appreciate how good Naoya Inoue is, we have seen it repeatedly, but the people who really know Paul, know what he is made of and the greater the challenge, the greater his performance will be.” 

To keep up to date with the latest news on Butler vs Inoue sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook.???? 

You can also follow our official news, results, and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.?

LONDON, MAY 16 – Sunny Edwards is “one billion per cent” serious about challenging new world bantamweight champion Paul Butler.

But Edwards, the unbeaten flyweight title holder, doesn’t believe Butler would accept the fight even though ‘Showtime’ would be moving up two weight divisions to make it happen.

Edwards said: “IfI was Paul Butler, I would stay every possible mile in this world away from me”.

Butler has been elevated to full WBO world bantamweight champion after John Riel Casimero was stripped of the belt having contravened weigh-making rules in the build-up to Probellum Liverpool.

Jonas Sultan stepped in as the replacement but found Butler in the form of his career as the Ellesmere Port fighter won convincingly on points to take the interim title.

In a post on social media last week, Edwards threw his hat in the ring to be the opponent for Butler’s first defence of his WBO crown and the 26-year-old has doubled down on his challenge to the new champion.

Yet the IBF king at 112lbs is not convinced Butler, and his team, would be prepared to risk the title in a fight with him.

“I am one billion per cent serious about fighting Paul Butler,” said Edwards.

“I don’t say things that don’t mean. Not in boxing, not in my private life.

WATCH PAUL BUTLER OUTCLASS JONAS SULTAN
EDWARDS VS MARTINEZ ‘AGREED’ LIVE ON AIR

“It’s a fight I’d be 100% confident with, it would be an inter-Probellum fight, it would be an all-British world title fight, but I couldn’t really see it happening, if I’m honest, because if I was Paul Butler, I would stay every possible mile in this world away from me and I think that will be the response.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH SUNNY EDWARDS HERE

“I think Paul’s coach, Joe Gallagher, is probably much smarter than that, as well. But it’s a fight that I would like, it was never really on my radar until a few months ago when I got dragged into a back and forth on Twitter with his dad. But Paul’s a good fighter, don’t get confused.”

Edwards has described Butler’s victory over Sultan last month, as a “good win” but believes he would be too much for the bantamweight title holder.

“For me, there are levels to boxing,” Edwards said.

“It’s a fight that would allow me to prove the mindset that I’m willing to go up and down in weights to where the fights make sense.”

To keep up to date with the latest news on Edwards and Butler, as well as the other fighters in Probellum’s roster, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook? 

You can also follow our official news, results and information account, Probellum News, on Twitter.

NEXT FIGHTS FOR FOSTER AND GEVOR AFTER WBC UPDATE
WATCH FIGHT OF THE YEAR CONTENDER WITH KO FINISH

LONDON, APRIL 28 – Paul Butler had been a two-time world bantamweight champion for less than two days before he returned to his other role in boxing – as an amateur coach with his boyhood club.

Butler defeated Jonas Sultan at Probellum Liverpool last Friday night with a career-best performance to claim the WBO interim world title but by Sunday morning, he was acting as a cornerman at a national amateur tournament.

The dedicated Butler was also back with the young hopefuls at Wirral CP Boxing Club, close to his Ellesmere Port home, on Monday afternoon, helping put close to 100 budding boxers through their paces with the team of coaches and offering his expert advice.

The 33-year-old is fully expecting the WBO to elevate him to full champion this week, after former title holder John Riel Casimero was forced out of their fight having contravened weight-making rules.

Butler, who first won the bantamweight crown in 2014, is now eyeing a shot at either Nonito Donaire or Naoya Inoue, who hold the other three world titles between them.

“I went out on Saturday night and watched the Tyson Fury fight but the next morning I was up and we were in Liverpool because the club had four kids in the England Boxing School Championships, so I was out there in the corners with them,” explained Butler.

“It’s something I enjoy and being part of this gym is something I grew up doing and I just think a little bit of help can go a long way.”

The WBO made Butler’s fight with replacement Sultan for the interim title but the Liverpool FC fan is hoping the sanctioning body elevate him to full world champion.

And Butler says as the WBO champion, he could tempt Donaire or Inoue into a bantamweight unification clash later this year.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH BUTLER, WHERE HE TALKS FURTHER ABOUT DONAIRE AND INOUE AND HIS CAREER BEST PERFORMANCE, HERE

“Listen, if I’ve been upgraded to full world champion, which is hopefully by Friday, then it’s a no brainer to go out to Japan and watch them two, if they get it on as has been reported,” he added.

“If that fight happens, the winner will have one belt left to try and win so why not box me for all the marbles?”

To keep up to date with Butler’s world title plans, and all of the news from Probellum, sign up to our newsletter?or follow Probellum on?Instagram,?Twitter?and?Facebook???

About Probellum???
Launched in September 2021, Probellum is a global boxing promotion and media company, and the fastest-growing brand in the sport.

Following the success of the opening two shows in December 2021, Probellum has already held back-to-back world championship nights in Dubai, as well as a packed card in Newcastle.

The world title action then headed to Liverpool earlier this month where Paul Butler won the WBO interim bantamweight crown.

Probellum’s elite stable of fighters also includes Nonito Donaire, Regis Prograis, Estelle Mossely, Sunny Edwards, Eimantis Stanionis, Donnie Nietes and Dina Thorslund.

But the company has also recruited the next generation of stars with Peter McGrail, Mark Dickinson and Pat and Luke McCormack and Shabaz Masoud among the young talents under the Probellum umbrella.

Since launching, Probellum has signed co-promotional partnerships with some of the biggest promoters globally, including DiBella Entertainment (US), Wasserman (Germany), Universum (Germany), GYM (Canada), Maravilla Box (Spain), Team Ellis (Australia), Titov Boxing Promotions (Russia), Volcano Boxing (El Salvador), BXSTRS Promotions (Mexico), PR Best (Puerto Rico) Glozier Boxing (New Zealand), Box Office Sports (Ghana) and LNK Boxing (Latvia).????

Paul Butler won the WBO Interim Bantamweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Jonas Sultan in Liverpool, England.

But was originally supposed to take on John Riel Casimero, but Casimero was ruled out of the fight due to Casimero’s use of a sauna.

Butler won by scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 117-111.

Butler, 117.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG won by scores of and is now a two-time world champion with a record of 34-2. Sultan, 117.6 lbs of Philippines is 18-6.

The new champion said: “It’s unbelievable, what a feeling!

“I have waited a long time to be a two-time world champion.

“It’s been a long journey and we only had 48 hours to come up with a gameplan for Sultan but that’s what I can do.  I nullified the bull tonight.”

McGrail Stops Lopez in 4

Peter McGrail remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Uriel Lopez in a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

In round four, McGrail dropped Lopez and the bout was stopped.

McGrail, 124.4 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 4-0 with two knockouts. Lopez, 124 lbs of Mexico is 15-18-1.

McGrail, now 4-0, said: “I am going to keep getting better and better.

“And hopefully, in the future, there will be some big nights coming to Liverpool.  We’re the next stock coming through, and we will be bringing world titles back to this city.”

Meneses Shocks Maxwell in Scoring 9th Round stoppage

Alejandro Meneses scored a stunning ninth round stoppage over previously undefeated Sam Maxwell in round nine of their 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round four, Meneses dropped Maxwell with a big right.

After battering Maxwell for the better parts of rounds seven and eight, Meneses dropped Maxwell with a hard right in round nine. Meneses continued his assault until the bout was stopped at 2:39.

Meneses, 134.2 lbs of Mexico is 16-5 with nine knockouts. Maxwell, 136.8 lbs of Liverpool, ENG is 16-1.

Dickens Stops Gago in 5

James Dickens stopped Andoni Gago in round five of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round three, Dickens scored a knockdown with a solid left. In round five, it was a left uppercut that sent Gago down and the fight was stopped at 2:52.

Dickens is now 31-4 with 12 knockouts. Gago, 125.2 lbs of Spain is 25-5-4.

“The next step for me is a big world title eliminator, if not a world title.

“I need a world title next.  It can be Leigh Wood or Josh Warrington, but I would prefer Leigh Wood, who I have beaten before.

“It is hard to see another man with your world title.”

Fielding Stops Laine in Three

Former world titlist Rocky Fielding stopped Timo Laine in round three of their eight-round light heavyweight bout.

Fielding landed a hard combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:34.

Fielding is now 30-2 with 18 knockouts. Laine is 30-18.

“I had never retired; I was just sitting back with the pandemic and was concentrating on my family and kids.

“But it’s good to be back fighting and the break has done me the world of good, I’ve been boxing since the age of nine without any break.”

Frankie Stringer made a successful pro debut with a four-round decision over Simas Volosinas in a lightweight fight.

Stringer of England won by a 40-36 card and is 1-0. Volosinas of Lithuania is 7-103.

LIVERPOOL, APRIL 21 – Paul Butler and Jonas Sultan squared off for the final time ahead of their WBO interim world bantamweight title clash in Liverpool. 

Sultan has stepped in as a late replacement for John Riel Casimero to face local hero Butler at the M&S Bank Arena in the headline fight at Probellum Liverpool on Friday night. 

Sam Maxwell came face to face with Alejandro Meneses ahead of their scrap for the IBO super-lightweight title with Peter McGrail and Jazza Dickens among those who also hit the scales at the Hilton Hotel. 

The packed card will be shown live, free and exclusive on Probellum.com with the opening bout of the night due to start at 4:30pm. 

MAIN EVENT? 

WBO INTERIM WORLD BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE 

Paul Butler (33-2) 117.8lbs 

Jonas Sultan (18-5) 117.6lbs 

8 Rounds Super Bantamweight Contest? 

Peter McGrail (3-0) 124.4lbs 

Uriel Lopez (15-17-1)?124.2lbs 

? 
IBO WORLD SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE 

Sam Maxwell (16-0) 138.8lbs 

Alejandro Meneses (15-5) 139.2lbs 

? 
10 Rounds Featherweight Contest? 

James Dickens (30-4) 126lbs 

Andoni Gago (25-4-4) 125.2lbs 

? 
8 Rounds Super Middleweight Contest? 

Rocky Fielding (29-2) 175.4lbs 

Timo Laine (30-17) 171.4lbs 

?
4 Rounds Bantamweight Contest? 

Will Cawley (1-0) 119.6lbs 

Marius Vysniauskas (2-12) 117.6lbs 

? 
4 Rounds Super Featherweight Contest? 

Harry Kinsella (Debut) 130lbs 

Christian Narvaez (16-38-6) 131lbs 

? 
4 Rounds Super Bantamweight Contest? 

Joe McGrail (2-0) 122lbs 

Mohammed Alwarith (0-2) 121.6lbs 

4 Rounds Lightweight Contest? 

Frankie Stringer (Debut) 136lbs 

Simas Volosinas (7-102) Weighs in on day 

? 
4 Rounds Super Featherweight Contest 

Steven Cairns (2-0)?133lbs 

Jose Hernandez (4-41-1) 127lbs 

1630? 

6 Rounds Bantamweight Contest? 

Blane Hyland (5-1)?118lbs 

Stephen Jackson (1-15) 117lbs 

LIVERPOOL, APRIL 20 – Paul Butler will face WBO Intercontinental bantamweight champion Jonas Sultan in his huge homecoming fight at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena which tops a thrilling Probellum card on April 22.

With John Riel Casemiro being forced to pull out of facing Butler for the second time in the space of a few months, his Filipino countryman Sultan has been mandated to step up to fight for the interim bantamweight world title by WBO.

Butler (35-2, 15 knockouts) faces Sultan (18-5, 11 knockouts) after the Filipino’s unanimous decision victory over Carlos Carabello at Madison Square Garden in October.

The exciting Sultan – nicknamed One Punch – is unbeaten since his move up to bantamweight last year, also knocking out American Sharone Carter in August.

Speaking about the fight, Sultan said: “This is a big moment for me and I am hungry for it. There is a lot of hard work that has gone into my preparation and it was meant to be that I get in the ring against Butler this week.

“I will be dedicating this fight to my friend Ali Tazeem who tragically died last week. I have been training with him since we came over to the UK to prepare for this fight and I am 100% focused on bringing the belt home to his family when I win on Friday night.”

The huge bantamweight clash heads up the mouthwatering Probellum card which also sees Sam Maxwell’s IBO super-lightweight world title fight against Alejandro Meneses.

Local favourites Jazza Dickens, and brothers Peter and Joe McGrail complete the home interest in a night sure to entice a partisan local support in one of Britain’s boxing hotbeds.

The show will be join live, free and exclusive on Probellum.com

Los Angeles, CA – December 9, 2021 – Paul Butler insists he will show no fear when he clashes with John Riel Casimero for the WBO bantamweight title on Saturday’s historic #ProbellumRevolution card at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Butler (33-2, 15 knockouts) challenges Casimero (31-4, 21 knockouts) on a stacked card this weekend that will be broadcast on FreeSports, Premier Sports and BoxNation in the UK and Ireland, and on AXS TV and FightNetwork in the USA and Canada, which also features Sunny Edwards defending his IBF flyweight title against Jayson Mama.

It sees Ellesmere Port’s Butler looking to become a two-time world champion, after the 33-year-old previously reigned back in 2014 after triumphing over Stuart Hall.

He now faces a difficult task against highly-rated Casimero, who won the world title in 2019 with a knockout victory over Zolani Tete, before recently defending it against Guillero Rigondeaux earlier this year, but Butler is confident that he will upset the odds.

“I am not scared of anybody. Casimero has got two arms, two legs, and eats and drinks the same as me,” said Butler. “I haven’t shied away from this. It is a fight that I’m excited for and I believe that I’ll win.

“I’ve trained for the best Casimero possible. I’ve watched tape and studied him well. We know he’s dangerous and he hits hard, and everybody talks about him being a monster and a knockout merchant, but it will be the best Paul Butler in there on Saturday.

“Every fighter is dangerous at this level. He’s a world champion in a very hot division and I’m not expecting an easy night, but I’ve got myself put into the mandatory position and it’s the fight I wanted. I’ve worked hard over all these years for it.

“On Saturday it will be 11 years to the day since I made my professional debut, so I’m excited to be here in Dubai in different surroundings. I’ve trained really well with Joe Gallagher, and teaming up with him was the best thing I have done.

“I wish I had done it from my debut, as everything has a structure and a gameplan. It has changed me completely, and earlier in my career I was maybe throwing for the sake of it and it might have been all-action. Now I don’t waste as many shots.

“Everything was a massive rush earlier in my career. When I won the world title against Stuart Hall I was young and inexperienced. I maybe hit that level too soon and everybody expected too much of me, but I’ve regrouped and worked hard to get back here.”

Saturday’s #ProbellumRevolution card also features some of the very best talent from around the world, as fearsome Uzbekistan heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov takes on Julio Cesar Calimeno, four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes faces Norbelto Jiminez for the WBO International super-flyweight title, plus the always-exciting Jono Carroll meets Aelio Mesquita.

Tickets for the event are now on sale in-store at Virgin Megastore and online via Coca-Cola Arena and Platinum List.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

FreeSports is delighted to announce they will broadcast the newly-launched PROBELLUM boxing promotion as it hosts its first major event this Saturday December 11th in Dubai. The full event will be available from 4pm GMT on Premier Sports 2 and BoxNation while FreeSports will join the coverage at 5.30pm GMT for the main events available free to watch in every home in the UK.

The headline event at PROBELLUM: Revolution this weekend sees surging IBF World Super Flyweight Champion and London born boxer, Sunny Edwards (16-0, 4 KO) make his first world title defence against fellow undefeated pugilist Jayson Mama (16-0, 9 KO), who has the skillset needed to trouble the elusive Edwards.

A world championship co-feature features WBO World Bantamweight Champion John Riel Casimero (31-4, 21 KO) defends his hard-fought title against mandatory contender Paul Butler (33-2, 15 KO) at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE.

Three-division champ Casimero has won 7 straight with 6 monstrous knockouts.  His most recent win was the biggest of his career, defeating two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux.  The contender Paul Butler aka ‘Baby Faced Assassin’ hailing from Cheshire, England, is a former IBF World Bantamweight Champion and looks to utilize his savvy boxing style to re-assert himself at the top of the sport.

FreeSports will also have live and free coverage the following Saturday December 18th of the second show PROBELLUM: Unstoppable. This show sees crowd-favourites Lewis Ritson (21-2, 12 KO), Thomas Patrick Ward (30-0, 4 KO) and three time world champion Ricky Burns (43-8, 16 KO) return to action as new global Boxing promotion PROBELLUM plants its flag in the United Kingdom at Rainton Meadows Arena in Sunderland.

Richard Webb, COO of Premier Sports/FreeSports commented, “We are delighted to partner with Probellum to broadcast these inaugural boxing events this December and make it available free to watch in every UK home in the UK. Both events feature popular British boxers we’re confident will be a big hit for our viewers and we’re looking forward to the coverage.”

Richard Schaefer, Probellum President said, “To be able to broadcast our very first event free to air in the UK, one which will go down in history with a terrific card is incredibly important to us and we’re thankful to FreeSports for their partnership in making this happen.”

FreeSports is available as a free to air sports channel operating in the UK on Sky HD Channel 422, Virgin TV HD Channel 553, Freeview Channel 64, BT/TalkTalk Channel 64, Samsung TV Plus and online via the FreeSports Player. Premier Sports 2 is available on Sky channel 429, Virgin TV 552 while BoxNation is on Sky channel 427, BT/TalkTalk channel 415 and Virgin TV channel 546. Premier Sports and BoxNation are both available via online streaming on the Premier Player.

ENDS

ABOUT FREESPORTS/PREMIER SPORTS

FreeSports is a free to air sports channel operating in the UK and Ireland and available on Sky HD Channel 422, Virgin TV HD Channel 553, Freeview Channel 64, BT/TalkTalk Channel 64 and online via the FreeSports Player.

FreeSports is a sister channel to Premier Sports who cover all 151 games of the United Rugby Championship, LaLigaTV, the home of knockout Scottish Cup Football, TOP14, Premier Sports Elite League, NHL, Betfred Rugby League Championship & the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series.

Premier Sports: www.premiersports.com                              FreeSports: www.freesports.tv

Los Angeles, CA – December 8, 2021 – Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc., a global multi-platform media company, announced today a partnership with global boxing organization Probellum, airing the promotion’s first major event, PROBELLUM: Revolution-World Championship Boxing Live From Dubai, on popular Anthem properties AXS TV and Fight Network this Saturday, December 11, starting at 11 a.m. ET/8 a.m. PT.

Probellum is an emerging brand in the boxing landscape, boasting a stable of more than 20 world-class fighters including Nonito Donaire, Ricky Burns, Lee McGregor, Regis Prograis and Muhammad Waseem, among others. Saturday’s fully-loaded Revolution main card is broadcast live from Dubai’s landmark Coca-Cola Arena, giving AXS TV and Fight Network viewers the best seat in the house for four must-see bouts, headlined by a pair of 12-round world championship showdowns as UK standout Sunny Edwards defends his IBF Flyweight title against Jayson Mama, while John Riel Casimero defends his WBO Bantamweight title against Paul Butler. Additionally, beloved ring announcer Michael Buffer will be on-hand to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the festivities.

Boxing enthusiasts across the United States will be able to enjoy Probellum’s inaugural event on AXS TV, whose rich history of combat sports coverage includes acclaimed MMA events from around the world, as well as the all-female MMA promotion Invicta FC, and the iconic IMPACT Wrestling promotion. The night marks the first of two Probellum events to air throughout the United States and Canada on the premier combat sports hub Fight Network, which will also broadcast the organization’s upcoming three-hour, four- bout event on Saturday, December 18, as fighters such as Lewis Ritson, Christian Uruzquieta, Emiliano Dominguez and Thomas Patrick Ward go toe-to-toe live from Rainton Arena in Sunderland, England.

“We’re thrilled to announce news of Probellum’s broadcast deal across the USA and Canada, giving millions of fight fans the opportunity to watch our huge events this month,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “One of our key goals when we launched Probellum was to make our events accessible to all, and this broadcast deal with AXS TV and Fight Network will achieve just that, allowing fans to witness some of the very best boxers from around the world.”

“Anthem has long been a major proponent of combat sports, and we are proud to join forces with Probellum to bring their inaugural Revolution event to boxing enthusiasts throughout the United States and Canada on AXS TV and Fight Network,” said Leonard Asper, founder and CEO of Anthem. “From boxing and MMA, to professional wrestling and more, combat sports content has consistently ranked as one of our most popular programming offerings. We are honored to be part of two historic Probellum events, and look forward to sharing their world-class boxing brand with our viewers starting with Probellum: Revolution this Saturday.”

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Also, visit @AXSTV and @FightNetwork and follow #ProbellumRevolution LIVE from Dubai.

About Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a global multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; global film distribution company Gravitas Ventures; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion; Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S.

Los Angeles, CA – November 9, 2021 – Probellum will host a historic world championship double-header at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday, December 11 with Probellum: Revolution – as Sunny Edwards defends his IBF flyweight title against Jayson Mama and John Riel Casimero puts his WBO bantamweight title on the line against the UK’s Paul Butler.

The event brings together some of the very best fighters from around the world in what is sure to be an action-packed night of boxing.

Undefeated Edwards (16-0, 4 knockouts) makes the first defense of his world title, taking on his mandatory challenger Mama (16-0, 9 knockouts), after the two men were originally set to meet in September in the UK before an injury postponed the clash.

Casimero (31-4, 21 knockouts) is back following his victory over Guillermo Rigondeaux in August, now squaring off with mandatory challenger Butler (33-2, 15 knockouts). Casimero is one of the most devastating punchers in the division who looks to keep his momentum going in his third world championship defense.

Four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes (43-1-5, 23 knockouts) will also appear on the card, as he looks to move a step closer to another championship in a world title elimination bout. He will be joined by unbeaten super-featherweight Archie Sharp (21-0, 9 knockouts), and former world title challenger Jono Carroll (20-2-1, 5 knockouts), who is coming off an important win against Andy Vences in September.

“We are delighted to finally announce plans for this incredible event in Dubai next month,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “We made it clear from the offset that we have massive plans in store for Probellum, and this world title double-header shows just that.

“The two world title fights see John Riel Casimero face Paul Butler, while Sunny Edwards takes on Jayson Mama, and both of those bouts are set to be guaranteed excitement. With the likes of Donnie Nietes, Archie Sharp and Jono Carroll all competing too, fans will be treated to a night of non-stop action. We cannot wait for fight night and are proud to bring this historic event to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.”

Tickets are now available online via Coca-Cola Arena, Platinumlist, and in stores at Virgin Megastores.

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Los Angeles, CA – October 14, 2021 – Probellum is thrilled to announce the promotional signing of former IBF bantamweight champion Paul Butler – ahead of his upcoming world title clash with John Riel Casimero.

Butler (33-2, 15 knockouts) has operated at the highest echelon in the sport for a number of years, after making his professional debut back in 2010.

It didn’t take long for the Ellesmere Port man to make an impact, winning the British super-flyweight title in just his ninth fight with a first round knockout win, before adding the Commonwealth, WBO Intercontinental and WBA Intercontinental bantamweight titles to his collection not long after.

The highlight then came in 2014, when Butler defeated Stuart Hall to win the IBF bantamweight title, and ‘The Baby Faced Assassin’ has remained firmly at world level from that point onwards.

The 32-year-old is now set to challenge for another world title, after Probellum won the purse bid for his WBO bantamweight title showdown with defending champion Casimero.

Butler becomes the 14th boxer to join Probellum’s expanding stable of elite fighters, joining Regis Prograis, Nonito Donaire, Badou Jack, Eimantas Stanionis, Arthur Biyarslanov, Taras Shelestyuk, Ricky Burns, Lewis Ritson, Hovhannes Bachkov, Darius Fulghum, Eduardo Hernandez, Mark Dickinson and Brandon Moore.

Probellum have also secured co-promotional agreements with some of the biggest promoters around the world, including Wasserman Boxing, Universum in Germany, Maravillabox Promotions in Spain, LNK Boxing in Latvia, Glozier Boxing in New Zealand, Shuan Boxing Promotions in the Dominican Republic, Bufalo Boxing in Nicaragua, Team Ellis Boxing in Australia, Armin Tan Promotions in Indonesia, and Box Office Sports in Ghana.

“I’m delighted to be signing with a huge force like Probellum,” said Butler. “Some of the moves they’ve made over the past few weeks have been massive, and it’s clear that this is the perfect team for me moving forward.

“Probellum have already shown their total support for me by winning the purse bid for my WBO bantamweight title fight against John Riel Casimero, so I’m proud to have them backing me and I can’t wait to once again become world champion in the near future.”

“We’re very pleased to welcome Paul Butler to the team,” said Richard Schaefer, President of Probellum. “He’s worked extremely hard for a number of years to gain another shot at a world title, and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to win the purse bid for it.

“He is one of the best fighters that the UK has produced over the past decade, and at just 32-years-old, still has plenty of big nights ahead of him, so we’re certain this will be a long and successful relationship.”

For live news and updates, be sure to follow Probellum on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

(June 23, 2021) —Welsh flyweight contender Jay Harris needs one more victory to receive a second crack at world title glory. Harris will take on Ricardo Sandoval in a 12-round IBF world title eliminator this Friday, June 25 from Bolton, England.
 
The co-feature will see former bantamweight world champion Paul Butler fight Mexican veteran Willibaldo Garcia in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBO International bantamweight title.
 
Harris-Sandoval and Butler-Garcia will headline a scheduled five-fight stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ starting at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
 
Harris (18-1, 9 KOs) was one half of one of 2020’s best fights when he dropped a unanimous decision to Julio Cesar Martinez for the WBC flyweight world title. He returned in fine form last October, topping Marcel Braithwaite via unanimous decision to move up the rankings and into this title eliminator. Sandoval (18-1, 13 KOs), from Montclair, California, has won 14 consecutive bouts, including five straight by stoppage. He last fought in February 2020 and knocked out Filipino veteran Raymond Tabugon in seven rounds.
 
WBO No. 2 bantamweight contender Butler (32-2, 15 KOs) won the IBF bantamweight world title in 2014, then vacated the belt to challenge Zolani Tete for the IBF junior bantamweight world title. He fell to Tete via eighth-round stoppage but is 15-1 in the six-plus years since, winning regional titles at both junior bantamweight and bantamweight. Garcia (12-4-1, 6 KOs) is 11-1-1 since a 1-3 start to his career, with his only defeat in that stretch coming via majority decision to former world title challenger Alejandro Santiago Barrios. This will be his first fight outside of Mexico.
 
In other streaming action on ESPN+:

• Dublin-born junior welterweight prospect Pierce O’Leary (6-0, 2 KOs) will make his second appearance of 2021 against Czech veteran Jan Marsalek (8-3, 7 KOs) in a six-rounder. Marsalek last fought on the Canelo Alvarez-Billy Joe Saunders undercard in May and knocked down unbeaten prospect Kelvin Davis, ultimately losing a four-round unanimous decision.
   
• Undefeated lightweight contender Gary Cully (12-0, 6 KOs), who is coming off a March stoppage victory over Viktor Kotochigov, will fight Viorel Simion (22-5, 9 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Simion is a 15-year pro who has fought the likes of Shakur Stevenson, Lee Selby and Scott Quigg.
   
• In a 10-round eliminator for the British light heavyweight title, Hosea Burton (25-2, 11 KOs) will face Liam Conroy (18-6-1, 9 KOs), who has participated in a number of notable all-action brawls over the years. Burton and Conroy are each looking to bounce back from defeats suffered in MTK Global’s Golden Contract tournament. 

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 13.8 million subscribers.
 
Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $59.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $18.99/month (Hulu w/o ads). 
 

Naoya Inoue made his case as one of the top fighters in the world by destroying previously undefeated Emmanuel Rodriguez in two rounds to retain his WBA and win the IBF Bantamweight title. In the process, Inoue advances to the final of the World Boxing Super Series where he will meet Nonito Donaire.

Inoue dropped Rodriguez three times in the 2nd round. The 1st was a booming right, and the final two were body shots. Rodriguez got to his feet, but with a bloody nose, the referee wisely waved off the bout at 1:19.

Inoue of Japan is now 18-0 with 16 knockouts. Rodriguez of Puerto Rico is 19-1.

Former world champion Paul Butler stopped Salvador Hernandez Sanchez in round six of their scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout.

Butler dominated the fight and dropped Sanchez with a left hook to the body in the 6th round that put Hernandez down for the count at 2:52.

Butler of England is now 29-2 with 15 knockouts. Sanchez of Mexico is 14-9-1.

Zach Parker remained undefeated by stopping Steven Cramber in round four of their scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

The bout was stopped after a barrage of punches at 2:47 for Parker, who is now 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Crambert of France is 8-5.

Lee McGregor went the distance for the 1st but won an easy decision over Brett Fidoe in a bantamweight bout.

McGregor of Scotland won by 60-54 scores and is now 6-0. Fidoe of England is 13-51-5.

Reece McFadden won a four-round decision over Georgi Georgiev in a super bantamweight fight.

Scores were 40-36 for McFadden who is 3-0. Gerogiev is 7-15-1.

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Josh Taylor dominated and stopped Ryan Martin to advance to the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series at the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.

Taylor dominated the fight by focusing on the body with both hands.  Martin did not offer much resistance as he continued to take a pounding round after round.   In round four, Martin began to have swelling around the right eye.  He began to bleed from around the left eye in round six.

In round seven, Taylor landed a hard left that froze Martin into the ropes.  Taylor followed with a hard combination and the fight was stopped as Martin fell to the canvas at 2:21.

Taylor of Scotland is 14-0 with 12 knockouts.  Martin of Tennessee is 22-1.

Nonito Donaire stopped Ryan Burnett after round four after Burnett hurt his back to win the WBA Bantamweight title.

In round four, Burnett threw a right hurt and grabbed his back before taking a knee.  Donaire was all over Burnett for the final 30 seconds of the round.  After the round, Burnett could not continue.

The official time was one second of round five. Burnett left ringside on a stretcher.

Donaire, who will now face Zolani Tete in the semifinals of the World Boxing Super Series is now 39-5 with 25 stoppages.  Burnett is 19-1.

Zach Parker won a 12-round split decision over Daryll Williams in a super middleweight bout.

Williams appeared to outwork Parker, but it was Parker who took cards 117-112 and 115-114. Williams won a card 115-113.

Parker, 167.9 lbs is 17-0. Williams, 167.6 is 17-1.

Former bantamweight champion Paul Butler decisioned Yoan Boyeaux over 10-rounds.

Butler, 118 lbs of England won by a 99-91 score and is now 27-2. Boyeaux, 117.9 lbs of France is 41-6.