Paul Butler Outperforms Jonas Sultan to Win WBO Interim Bantamweight Title
It was quite the whirlwind for Paul Butler (34-2, 15 KOs) and Jonas Sultan (18-6, 11 KOs) as they fought for the WBO Interim bantamweight title at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. Ranked number one by the WBO and previously winning the IBF bantamweight title, Butler thought he would be battling WBO champ John Riel Casimero. But the saga surrounding Casimero has been harrowing, to say the least.
They were supposed to fight in December 2021, but Casimero withdrew after falling ill. It was rescheduled for April 22. However, a video surfaced of Casimero using a sauna just days before the rescheduled date, something that’s against the rules in the United Kingdom. With no recourse, the BBBofC removed him from the fight.
So instead, Butler faced late-replacement Sultan, who ironically defeated Casimero in September 2017. Ranked number four by the WBO, the native of Cebu, Philippines was coming off an upset decision win over then-undefeated, highly-touted prospect Carlos Caballero in October 2021.
BULL VERSUS MATADOR
Normally an aggressive fighter, Butler began this one more on the back foot behind a high and tight guard. His strategy was to use his jab and footwork to box and create angles to land shots. The powerfully built Sultan charged forward with power shots to the head and body.
The middle rounds saw Sultan attempt to follow his corner’s instructions to push Butler back and make him uncomfortable. But the problem was his attack came in a straight line. Butler was able to see what was coming. His movement was excellent as he was generally able to make his opponent miss, then make him pay.
Heading into the championship rounds, the question became whether Butler would stay disciplined and not get seduced into a firefight. He did that and more as he closed strong in the last two rounds. Butler’s work was rewarded by the judges who scored the bout in his favor by unanimous decision (116-112, 118-110, 117-111).
For the victor, it has to be one of the more satisfying performances of his career. Given the trials and tribulations of Casimero, Butler hopes that the WBO will elevate him to full WBO bantamweight champion.
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By: Michael Wilson Jr.
