Tag: paul butler

Weekend Review: Naoya Inoue makes history, Frank Martin makes statement

Weekend Review: Naoya Inoue makes history, Frank Martin makes statement.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER

Naoya Inoue – “The Monster” probably will never rival Manny Pacquiao as the greatest Asian boxer of all time but he’s making a case that he could end up No. 2. Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) knocked out a fellow 118-pound titleholder Paul Butler in the 11th round Tuesday in Tokyo to become the first fighter from his continent to become an undisputed champion in the four-belt era and bolster the argument that he’s the best active fighter. Butler (34-2, 15 KOs) didn’t make it easy for Inoue, more because of his reluctance than his ability. He held or ran rather than engage Inoue, who spent most of the fight trying to coax the frightened Englishman out of his protective shell. He finally broke through in the penultimate round, putting Butler down and out with a right to the body, a left to the head and finally a barrage of hard shots. Butler’s worst fears came true, providing the best evidence yet that Inoue is the most destructive force in the sport.

 

BIGGEST QUESTION

Can anyone compete with Inoue? The problem Inoue has from a competitive standpoint is that no one near his weight is in his class. Nonito Donaire pushed him in 2019 but that was because of facial fractures, at least in part. He brutally stopped Donaire in the rematch this past June. Who else is there? Inoue has indicated that he plans to move up to 122 pounds. That could set up a showdown with talented titleholder Stephen Fulton, the only fighter Inoue’s size who might be able give him serious problems. Fulton is fast and skillful, although his lack of punching power might be a liability. Of course, there are no guarantees that fight will happen next. Fulton could opt to fight fellow beltholder Murodjon Akhmadaliev in an attempt to become undisputed champion. Or he could move up in weight. We can only hope that Inoue is a challenge that the proud Fulton can’t resist.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II

Frank Martin – A star-studding lightweight division just became glitzier. Martin (17-0, 12 KOs) delivered a breakthrough victory Saturday in Las Vegas, outclassing fellow contender Michel Rivera (24-1, 14 KOs) to win a one-sided decision. He was brilliant. The fight was billed as an even matchup of rising young talents but Martin made it clear from the beginning that he was too quick and much too good for Rivera, both offensively and defensively. The Dominican was almost completely neutralized. Thus, Martin made a strong argument that he belongs in the conversation with the best fighters in and around the 135-pound division. He wants to challenge undisputed champion Devin Haney or top contender Gervonta Davis, both of whom have plans that don’t include Martin at the moment. He’ll get that kind of opportunity eventually, however. And based on what we saw on Saturday no one should be surprised if he emerges victorious. He’s that good.

BIGGEST LOSER

Rivera – Rivera entered the ring on Saturday as an unbeaten star-in-the-making. He left it a badly beaten man who will have to rebuild. The 24-year-old couldn’t match the physical gifts of Martin, who was too fast for him. That was surprising. And he didn’t have the wherewithal to make significant adjustments when the fight was getting away from him, which gave him no chance to turn the tide. Also surprising. Can Rivera bounce back? That’s tough to say. On one hand, he’s a talented boxer who is still young. He could grow as a fighter as a result of the setback. On the other hand, a loss as comprehensive as this one probably will have damaged Rivera’s confidence. We’ll see how strong he is mentally going forward.

 

MOST BAFFLING

Butler’s performance – The 34-year-old from the Liverpool area worked his entire career for an opportunity like the one he had against Inoue on Tuesday. Yet he essentially didn’t try to win the fight. Maybe he realized he was in over his head early in the fight, which would be understandable given Inoue’s ability and power. However, many fighters in that position would’ve risked life and limb in an effort to score a miraculous knockout because that’s what boxers do. Butler wasn’t willing to do that. It reminded me of Joshua Clottey’s pathetic effort against a prime Pacquiao in 2010, when Clottey’s only goal was to survive. That deprived fans the opportunity to see Pacquiao at his destructive best in a near-shutout victory. The fans on Saturday got to witness a late knockout but they also probably would’ve appreciated an honest effort from Butler. I know I would have.

 

MOST BAFFLING II

Terence Crawford’s split gloves: At least one of the welterweight titleholder’s gloves split at the seams going into the sixth and final round of his fight with David Avanesyan on Dec. 10 in Omaha, Nebraska. Ringside officials decided to allow the fight to continue, which seemed questionable. Wouldn’t that increase the chances of a cut? A change of gloves might’ve been more appropriate. Then, a few days later, the glove manufacturer Everlast took responsibility for the debacle by indicating that flawed leather was used to make the gloves even though the company claims to use rigorous quality control. I hope they discovered that bit of information after the fight. If company officials knew beforehand, they would have a lot of explaining to do. The timing of the discovery wasn’t made clear in a statement from the company. I also hope that boxing officials and glove manufacturers everywhere were watching closely.

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Weekend Review: Naoya Inoue makes history, Frank Martin makes statement

Weekend Review: Naoya Inoue makes history, Frank Martin makes statement.

A critical look at the past week in boxing

BIGGEST WINNER

Naoya Inoue – “The Monster” probably will never rival Manny Pacquiao as the greatest Asian boxer of all time but he’s making a case that he could end up No. 2. Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) knocked out a fellow 118-pound titleholder Paul Butler in the 11th round Tuesday in Tokyo to become the first fighter from his continent to become an undisputed champion in the four-belt era and bolster the argument that he’s the best active fighter. Butler (34-2, 15 KOs) didn’t make it easy for Inoue, more because of his reluctance than his ability. He held or ran rather than engage Inoue, who spent most of the fight trying to coax the frightened Englishman out of his protective shell. He finally broke through in the penultimate round, putting Butler down and out with a right to the body, a left to the head and finally a barrage of hard shots. Butler’s worst fears came true, providing the best evidence yet that Inoue is the most destructive force in the sport.

 

BIGGEST QUESTION

Can anyone compete with Inoue? The problem Inoue has from a competitive standpoint is that no one near his weight is in his class. Nonito Donaire pushed him in 2019 but that was because of facial fractures, at least in part. He brutally stopped Donaire in the rematch this past June. Who else is there? Inoue has indicated that he plans to move up to 122 pounds. That could set up a showdown with talented titleholder Stephen Fulton, the only fighter Inoue’s size who might be able give him serious problems. Fulton is fast and skillful, although his lack of punching power might be a liability. Of course, there are no guarantees that fight will happen next. Fulton could opt to fight fellow beltholder Murodjon Akhmadaliev in an attempt to become undisputed champion. Or he could move up in weight. We can only hope that Inoue is a challenge that the proud Fulton can’t resist.

 

BIGGEST WINNER II

Frank Martin – A star-studding lightweight division just became glitzier. Martin (17-0, 12 KOs) delivered a breakthrough victory Saturday in Las Vegas, outclassing fellow contender Michel Rivera (24-1, 14 KOs) to win a one-sided decision. He was brilliant. The fight was billed as an even matchup of rising young talents but Martin made it clear from the beginning that he was too quick and much too good for Rivera, both offensively and defensively. The Dominican was almost completely neutralized. Thus, Martin made a strong argument that he belongs in the conversation with the best fighters in and around the 135-pound division. He wants to challenge undisputed champion Devin Haney or top contender Gervonta Davis, both of whom have plans that don’t include Martin at the moment. He’ll get that kind of opportunity eventually, however. And based on what we saw on Saturday no one should be surprised if he emerges victorious. He’s that good.

BIGGEST LOSER

Rivera – Rivera entered the ring on Saturday as an unbeaten star-in-the-making. He left it a badly beaten man who will have to rebuild. The 24-year-old couldn’t match the physical gifts of Martin, who was too fast for him. That was surprising. And he didn’t have the wherewithal to make significant adjustments when the fight was getting away from him, which gave him no chance to turn the tide. Also surprising. Can Rivera bounce back? That’s tough to say. On one hand, he’s a talented boxer who is still young. He could grow as a fighter as a result of the setback. On the other hand, a loss as comprehensive as this one probably will have damaged Rivera’s confidence. We’ll see how strong he is mentally going forward.

 

MOST BAFFLING

Butler’s performance – The 34-year-old from the Liverpool area worked his entire career for an opportunity like the one he had against Inoue on Tuesday. Yet he essentially didn’t try to win the fight. Maybe he realized he was in over his head early in the fight, which would be understandable given Inoue’s ability and power. However, many fighters in that position would’ve risked life and limb in an effort to score a miraculous knockout because that’s what boxers do. Butler wasn’t willing to do that. It reminded me of Joshua Clottey’s pathetic effort against a prime Pacquiao in 2010, when Clottey’s only goal was to survive. That deprived fans the opportunity to see Pacquiao at his destructive best in a near-shutout victory. The fans on Saturday got to witness a late knockout but they also probably would’ve appreciated an honest effort from Butler. I know I would have.

 

MOST BAFFLING II

Terence Crawford’s split gloves: At least one of the welterweight titleholder’s gloves split at the seams going into the sixth and final round of his fight with David Avanesyan on Dec. 10 in Omaha, Nebraska. Ringside officials decided to allow the fight to continue, which seemed questionable. Wouldn’t that increase the chances of a cut? A change of gloves might’ve been more appropriate. Then, a few days later, the glove manufacturer Everlast took responsibility for the debacle by indicating that flawed leather was used to make the gloves even though the company claims to use rigorous quality control. I hope they discovered that bit of information after the fight. If company officials knew beforehand, they would have a lot of explaining to do. The timing of the discovery wasn’t made clear in a statement from the company. I also hope that boxing officials and glove manufacturers everywhere were watching closely.

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Naoya Inoue stops reluctant Paul Butler in 11 to become undisputed champ

Naoya Inoue stopped reluctant Paul Butler in 11 rounds to become undisputed champ Tuesday in Tokyo.

Add undisputed champion to Naoya Inoue’s long list of accomplishments.

The Japanese knockout artist stopped reluctant fellow 118-pound titleholder Paul Butler to win all four major belts Tuesday at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, becoming the first bantamweight and first Japanese fighter of any weight to do so.

“It’s been a long journey but … I finally made it. I’ve been able to reach the pinnacle by becoming undisputed champion,” Inoue said through a translator.

Butler (34-3, 15 KOs) didn’t allow Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) to look spectacular until the final moments, more because he didn’t want to get knocked out than his ability.

The Englishman used his legs to stay away from his dangerous foe at all costs and covered up like a frightened armadillo whenever he got near, which made Inoue’s mission difficult.

Inoue tried everything to get Butler to open up so he could land his lethal punches, going so far as to put his hands behind his back at one point.

Butler didn’t really bite. He was more concerned about surviving than giving himself a realistic chance to win the fight. So Inoue did what he could, which was to pound Butler wherever he could — his arms, his gloves and occasionally his body round after round as the underdog did next to nothing.

Finally, at the start of Round 10, Inoue seemed to get fed up. He seemed to have decided he could still stop his prey and fought with the urgency to do so.

He began to land punishing blows at a higher rate in that round and the next, as Butler, perhaps worn down, began to show signs of wilting.

The brutal end came when Inoue landed a vicious right to the body, a left to head and followed with a flurry that made a suddenly overwhelmed Butler buckle to the canvas.

The referee hadn’t even finished his count when he waved off the fight. Butler was clearly finished.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:09 of Round 11.

What’s next for Inoue?

His reign as the undisputed champion won’t last long: The three-division champion has said he will now move up to 122 pounds to seek out more challenges and titles in a fourth division.

That might not be easy. Two-belt titleholder Stephen Fulton, an excellent, experienced boxer with more confidence than Butler, is seen by some as a legitimate threat to Inoue.

Inoue punches much harder than Fulton, at least pound-for-pound. We’ll have to see whether his power is compromised by the move up in weight. At the same time, Fulton presumably would have the advantage of being the naturally bigger man.

You can bet Inoue would be favored to win that or any other fight, though. Many believe he’s the best in the business regardless of weight. He showed us why one more time on Tuesday.

Naoya Inoue stops reluctant Paul Butler in 11 to become undisputed champ

Naoya Inoue stopped reluctant Paul Butler in 11 rounds to become undisputed champ Tuesday in Tokyo.

Add undisputed champion to Naoya Inoue’s long list of accomplishments.

The Japanese knockout artist stopped reluctant fellow 118-pound titleholder Paul Butler to win all four major belts Tuesday at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, becoming the first bantamweight and first Japanese fighter of any weight to do so.

“It’s been a long journey but … I finally made it. I’ve been able to reach the pinnacle by becoming undisputed champion,” Inoue said through a translator.

Butler (34-3, 15 KOs) didn’t allow Inoue (24-0, 21 KOs) to look spectacular until the final moments, more because he didn’t want to get knocked out than his ability.

The Englishman used his legs to stay away from his dangerous foe at all costs and covered up like a frightened armadillo whenever he got near, which made Inoue’s mission difficult.

Inoue tried everything to get Butler to open up so he could land his lethal punches, going so far as to put his hands behind his back at one point.

Butler didn’t really bite. He was more concerned about surviving than giving himself a realistic chance to win the fight. So Inoue did what he could, which was to pound Butler wherever he could — his arms, his gloves and occasionally his body round after round as the underdog did next to nothing.

Finally, at the start of Round 10, Inoue seemed to get fed up. He seemed to have decided he could still stop his prey and fought with the urgency to do so.

He began to land punishing blows at a higher rate in that round and the next, as Butler, perhaps worn down, began to show signs of wilting.

The brutal end came when Inoue landed a vicious right to the body, a left to head and followed with a flurry that made a suddenly overwhelmed Butler buckle to the canvas.

The referee hadn’t even finished his count when he waved off the fight. Butler was clearly finished.

The official time of the stoppage was 1:09 of Round 11.

What’s next for Inoue?

His reign as the undisputed champion won’t last long: The three-division champion has said he will now move up to 122 pounds to seek out more challenges and titles in a fourth division.

That might not be easy. Two-belt titleholder Stephen Fulton, an excellent, experienced boxer with more confidence than Butler, is seen by some as a legitimate threat to Inoue.

Inoue punches much harder than Fulton, at least pound-for-pound. We’ll have to see whether his power is compromised by the move up in weight. At the same time, Fulton presumably would have the advantage of being the naturally bigger man.

You can bet Inoue would be favored to win that or any other fight, though. Many believe he’s the best in the business regardless of weight. He showed us why one more time on Tuesday.

Is Naoya Inoue ‘human’ or a ‘robot’? You be the judge

Is Naoya Inoue ‘human’ or a ‘robot’? You be the judge.

One wonders how Naoya Inoue would be perceived in the U.S. if he were a native son.

The 29-year-old Japanese star has dazzled boxing fans almost from the time he turned professional in 2012, but from a distance for American and European fans. All but four of his fights have taken place in his native Japan, where he’s a superstar.

Inoue is fighting there once again in the early morning hours U.S. time Tuesday, when he’ll face fellow titleholder Paul Butler for the undisputed 118-pound championship in Tokyo (ESPN+).

If you appreciate near perfection, it will be worth staying up late or getting up early to watch.

Inoue is one of the greatest fighters of his generation, a blurry-quick, athletic technician who might be the biggest puncher in the sport pound-for-pound. That’s how he’s been able to destroy everything in his path, the exception being a meeting with Nonito Donaire in which he fought with multiple fractures in his eye socket.

“The Monster” knocked out Donaire in less than two full rounds in the rematch to set the record straight and underscore his place among the best fighters in the world.

The long-term numbers also support that obvious conclusion about Inoue (23-0, 20 KOs). First, world titles have been on the line for 18 of his 23 fights. He scored 16 knockouts in those bouts. He’s 9-0 (7 KOs) against current or former world titleholders. And the three-division champion is 8-0 (7 KOs) as a 118-pounder.

Only Donaire took him the distance in the aforementioned fight, which Inoue won by a clear decision.

Few in the sport have been as dominating as Inoue has. Cases could be made for Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis, who have some similar qualities and results to that of Inoue. However, no active fighter has a clear edge over him.

Butler (34-2, 15 KOs) is an accomplished, two-time bantamweight titleholder yet is as much as a 100-1 underdog on some betting websites. That’s how the boxing experts perceive Inoue – almost unbeatable.

The prohibitive underdog certainly knows what he’s up against on Tuesday.

“It’s definitely the biggest fight of my life,” Butler told ESPN. “I’m fighting a pound-for-pound fighter, and it’s probably the hardest job in boxing right now. But it’s a massive opportunity for me. I know I’ve got to be 100%, the best I’ve ever been, on the night with no slip-ups because he punishes any mistake.

“I’ve been preparing really hard. I know there are going to be sticky times during the fight. I’m not going to go the whole fight without him catching me, so I’ve been trying to work on the stuff he does really well.”

The problem is that he does everything really well. He typically makes his opponents look foolish with his natural gifts and refined ability before ultimately putting them to sleep.

And that process usually happens quickly. Ten of his 20 knockouts have come inside three rounds, including in two of his last three fights.

Of course, Butler is aware of all of the above. He would counter such facts by saying that everyone has vulnerabilities, including Inoue. He points to the first fight against Donaire as evidence of that.

“There are moments in the first Donaire fight where he does get caught,” the 34-year-old Englishman said. “He is human, he’s not a robot. I know he calls himself The Monster’ but he’s not a monster, this big beast. He showed vulnerabilities against Donaire in the first fight and I have to go out and find them and exploit them.

“In the second Donaire fight, the big gap between the fights helped Inoue, and if he catches you, he catches you cold and he’s a great finisher.”

Butler must think that way if he is going to have any hope of pulling off a monumental upset. Those who have followed Inoue closely the past several years will have found Butler’s words difficult to swallow.

They know that Inoue is as close to INhuman as it gets in boxing.

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Is Naoya Inoue ‘human’ or a ‘robot’? You be the judge

Is Naoya Inoue ‘human’ or a ‘robot’? You be the judge.

One wonders how Naoya Inoue would be perceived in the U.S. if he were a native son.

The 29-year-old Japanese star has dazzled boxing fans almost from the time he turned professional in 2012, but from a distance for American and European fans. All but four of his fights have taken place in his native Japan, where he’s a superstar.

Inoue is fighting there once again in the early morning hours U.S. time Tuesday, when he’ll face fellow titleholder Paul Butler for the undisputed 118-pound championship in Tokyo (ESPN+).

If you appreciate near perfection, it will be worth staying up late or getting up early to watch.

Inoue is one of the greatest fighters of his generation, a blurry-quick, athletic technician who might be the biggest puncher in the sport pound-for-pound. That’s how he’s been able to destroy everything in his path, the exception being a meeting with Nonito Donaire in which he fought with multiple fractures in his eye socket.

“The Monster” knocked out Donaire in less than two full rounds in the rematch to set the record straight and underscore his place among the best fighters in the world.

The long-term numbers also support that obvious conclusion about Inoue (23-0, 20 KOs). First, world titles have been on the line for 18 of his 23 fights. He scored 16 knockouts in those bouts. He’s 9-0 (7 KOs) against current or former world titleholders. And the three-division champion is 8-0 (7 KOs) as a 118-pounder.

Only Donaire took him the distance in the aforementioned fight, which Inoue won by a clear decision.

Few in the sport have been as dominating as Inoue has. Cases could be made for Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis, who have some similar qualities and results to that of Inoue. However, no active fighter has a clear edge over him.

Butler (34-2, 15 KOs) is an accomplished, two-time bantamweight titleholder yet is as much as a 100-1 underdog on some betting websites. That’s how the boxing experts perceive Inoue – almost unbeatable.

The prohibitive underdog certainly knows what he’s up against on Tuesday.

“It’s definitely the biggest fight of my life,” Butler told ESPN. “I’m fighting a pound-for-pound fighter, and it’s probably the hardest job in boxing right now. But it’s a massive opportunity for me. I know I’ve got to be 100%, the best I’ve ever been, on the night with no slip-ups because he punishes any mistake.

“I’ve been preparing really hard. I know there are going to be sticky times during the fight. I’m not going to go the whole fight without him catching me, so I’ve been trying to work on the stuff he does really well.”

The problem is that he does everything really well. He typically makes his opponents look foolish with his natural gifts and refined ability before ultimately putting them to sleep.

And that process usually happens quickly. Ten of his 20 knockouts have come inside three rounds, including in two of his last three fights.

Of course, Butler is aware of all of the above. He would counter such facts by saying that everyone has vulnerabilities, including Inoue. He points to the first fight against Donaire as evidence of that.

“There are moments in the first Donaire fight where he does get caught,” the 34-year-old Englishman said. “He is human, he’s not a robot. I know he calls himself The Monster’ but he’s not a monster, this big beast. He showed vulnerabilities against Donaire in the first fight and I have to go out and find them and exploit them.

“In the second Donaire fight, the big gap between the fights helped Inoue, and if he catches you, he catches you cold and he’s a great finisher.”

Butler must think that way if he is going to have any hope of pulling off a monumental upset. Those who have followed Inoue closely the past several years will have found Butler’s words difficult to swallow.

They know that Inoue is as close to INhuman as it gets in boxing.

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Fight Week: Naoya Inoue shoots for ‘undisputed’; Michel Rivera, Frank Martin put ‘0s’ on line

Fight Week: Naoya Inoue and Paul Butler will fight for the undisputed 118-pound championship. And Michel Rivera will face Frank Martin.

FIGHT WEEK

Japanese star Naoya Inoue will face Paul Butler for the undisputed bantamweight championship Tuesday in Tokyo. Also, lightweight contenders Michel Rivera and Frank Martin will square off Saturday in Las Vegas.

NAOYA INOUE (23-0, 20 KOs) vs. PAUL BUTLER (34-2, 15 KOs)

  • When: Tuesday, Dec. 13
  • Time: 2 a.m. ET (main event later in show)
  • Where: Ariake Arena, Tokyo
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+
  • Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
  • At stake: Inoue’s undisputed championship
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: Inoue No. 2
  • Odds: Inoue 70-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Yoshiki Takei vs. Bruno Tarimo, junior featherweights; Andy Hiraoka vs. Min Ho Jung, junior welterweights; Takuma Inoue vs. Jade Bornea, featherweights; Satoshi Shimizu vs. Landy Cris Leon, featherweights
  • Prediction: Inoue KO 6
  • Background: The only thing Inoue hasn’t accomplished? Being an undisputed champion. The knockout artist from Japan will have the opportunity to become one in the early morning hours Tuesday (in the U.S.), when he’ll face fellow titleholder Paul Butler in Tokyo. Inoue has been as dominating as any active fighter, blowing through elite opposition to win titles in three divisions and earn pound-for-pound recognition. He’s 18-0 (16 KOs) in world title fights and 9-0 (7 KOs) against current or former world titleholders. He’s 8-0 (7 KOs) as a 118-pounder. The only bantamweight to take him the distance during that stretch was Nonito Donaire in 2019, when Inoue fought with a facial fracture. He stopped Donaire in two rounds in the rematch this past June. Butler is a two-time 118-pound beltholder. He won the IBF version when he outpointed Stuart Hall in 2014 but gave it up and moved down to 115 later that year. He regained the same title when he defeated Jonas Sultan by a unanimous decision to win the sanctioning body’s “interim” title this past April and was soon elevated to full champion. The 34-year-old has won eight consecutive fights since he failed to make weight against then-titleholder Emanuel Rodriguez and then lost a wide decision in 2018.

 

MICHEL RIVERA (24-0, 14 KOs) vs. FRANK MARTIN (16-0, 12 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 17
  • Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Lightweight (135 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Even (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Jose Uzcategui vs. Vladimir Shishkin, super middleweights; Nikolai Potapov vs. Vincent Astrolabio, bantamweights; Omar Jaurez vs. Austin Dulay, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Rivera SD
  • Background: This is an unusual matchup of two gifted, undefeated young contenders. Rivera, 24, has been untouchable in his young professional career, which started in 2016. The Miami-based Dominican has demonstrating that he can outclass you with his skills or take you out with his power even as opposition has improved, although his last three opponents have taken him the distance. Rivera is coming off a one-sided eight-round decision over Jerry Perez in October. Martin is surrounded by good role models: He trains alongside Errol Spence Jr. and Jermell Charlo under mentor Derrick James. He, too, appears to be a complete fighter. He’s quick, skillful and powerful. The 27-year-old Indianapolis resident also hasn’t been seriously pushed since turning pro in 2017. He’s coming off a last-round knockout of capable Jackson Marinez this past July. The fight on Saturday is being billed as a WBA title eliminator. Rivera is ranked No. 2 by the sanctioning body, Martin No. 10. Rivera has expressed a desire to fight secondary beltholder Gervonta Davis. Devin Haney is the undisputed 135-pound champion.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

FRIDAY

  • Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Michael Wallisch, heavyweights, Shawinigan, Quebec (ESPN+)

SATURDAY

  • Christian Mbili vs. Vaughn Alexander, super middleweights, Nantes, France (ESPN+)
  • Quilisto Madera vs. Hector Zepeda, middleweights, Stockton, California (FightHype)
  • Raul Curiel vs. Brad Solomon, welterweights, Commerce, California (DAZN)

Fight Week: Naoya Inoue shoots for ‘undisputed’; Michel Rivera, Frank Martin put ‘0s’ on line

Fight Week: Naoya Inoue and Paul Butler will fight for the undisputed 118-pound championship. And Michel Rivera will face Frank Martin.

FIGHT WEEK

Japanese star Naoya Inoue will face Paul Butler for the undisputed bantamweight championship Tuesday in Tokyo. Also, lightweight contenders Michel Rivera and Frank Martin will square off Saturday in Las Vegas.

NAOYA INOUE (23-0, 20 KOs) vs. PAUL BUTLER (34-2, 15 KOs)

  • When: Tuesday, Dec. 13
  • Time: 2 a.m. ET (main event later in show)
  • Where: Ariake Arena, Tokyo
  • TV/Stream: ESPN+
  • Division: Bantamweight (118 pounds)
  • At stake: Inoue’s undisputed championship
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: Inoue No. 2
  • Odds: Inoue 70-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Yoshiki Takei vs. Bruno Tarimo, junior featherweights; Andy Hiraoka vs. Min Ho Jung, junior welterweights; Takuma Inoue vs. Jade Bornea, featherweights; Satoshi Shimizu vs. Landy Cris Leon, featherweights
  • Prediction: Inoue KO 6
  • Background: The only thing Inoue hasn’t accomplished? Being an undisputed champion. The knockout artist from Japan will have the opportunity to become one in the early morning hours Tuesday (in the U.S.), when he’ll face fellow titleholder Paul Butler in Tokyo. Inoue has been as dominating as any active fighter, blowing through elite opposition to win titles in three divisions and earn pound-for-pound recognition. He’s 18-0 (16 KOs) in world title fights and 9-0 (7 KOs) against current or former world titleholders. He’s 8-0 (7 KOs) as a 118-pounder. The only bantamweight to take him the distance during that stretch was Nonito Donaire in 2019, when Inoue fought with a facial fracture. He stopped Donaire in two rounds in the rematch this past June. Butler is a two-time 118-pound beltholder. He won the IBF version when he outpointed Stuart Hall in 2014 but gave it up and moved down to 115 later that year. He regained the same title when he defeated Jonas Sultan by a unanimous decision to win the sanctioning body’s “interim” title this past April and was soon elevated to full champion. The 34-year-old has won eight consecutive fights since he failed to make weight against then-titleholder Emanuel Rodriguez and then lost a wide decision in 2018.

 

MICHEL RIVERA (24-0, 14 KOs) vs. FRANK MARTIN (16-0, 12 KOs)

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 17
  • Time: 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
  • TV/Stream: Showtime
  • Division: Lightweight (135 pounds)
  • At stake: No major titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Even (average of multiple outlets)
  • Also on the card: Jose Uzcategui vs. Vladimir Shishkin, super middleweights; Nikolai Potapov vs. Vincent Astrolabio, bantamweights; Omar Jaurez vs. Austin Dulay, junior welterweights
  • Prediction: Rivera SD
  • Background: This is an unusual matchup of two gifted, undefeated young contenders. Rivera, 24, has been untouchable in his young professional career, which started in 2016. The Miami-based Dominican has demonstrating that he can outclass you with his skills or take you out with his power even as opposition has improved, although his last three opponents have taken him the distance. Rivera is coming off a one-sided eight-round decision over Jerry Perez in October. Martin is surrounded by good role models: He trains alongside Errol Spence Jr. and Jermell Charlo under mentor Derrick James. He, too, appears to be a complete fighter. He’s quick, skillful and powerful. The 27-year-old Indianapolis resident also hasn’t been seriously pushed since turning pro in 2017. He’s coming off a last-round knockout of capable Jackson Marinez this past July. The fight on Saturday is being billed as a WBA title eliminator. Rivera is ranked No. 2 by the sanctioning body, Martin No. 10. Rivera has expressed a desire to fight secondary beltholder Gervonta Davis. Devin Haney is the undisputed 135-pound champion.

 

ALSO FIGHTING THIS WEEK

FRIDAY

  • Arslanbek Makhmudov vs. Michael Wallisch, heavyweights, Shawinigan, Quebec (ESPN+)

SATURDAY

  • Christian Mbili vs. Vaughn Alexander, super middleweights, Nantes, France (ESPN+)
  • Quilisto Madera vs. Hector Zepeda, middleweights, Stockton, California (FightHype)
  • Raul Curiel vs. Brad Solomon, welterweights, Commerce, California (DAZN)

Report: Patriots to sign two veteran tight ends

A pair of competitors for the position.

The New England Patriots are signing a pair of veteran tight ends, Alex Ellis and Paul Butler, according to NESN’s Doug Kyed.

The pair of free agents are late additions to the team before the first padded practice of training camp. They will have to test negative on multiple occasions for COVID-19 before practicing with the team. New England seemed to be on the verge of signing tight end Jordan Leggett, but that signing didn’t come together.

Ellis entered the NFL in 2016 as an undrafted free agent. He has bounced around the league, with the Patriots being his sixth NFL team. He has recorded just three receptions for 11 yards.

Butler has spent time with the Oakland Raiders since entering the NFL in 2018. He has not recorded a reception in his pro career.

The two tight ends join a group which features Ryan Izzo, Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene, Jake Burt and Rashod Berry.

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Lions release LB Steve Longa, WR Jon Duhart, and TE Paul Butler

The Detroit Lions announced they have released linebacker Steve Longa, wide receiver Jonathan Duhart, and tight end Paul Butler.

The Detroit Lions entered the day with 81 players on the active roster, and with nine draft picks, their roster appeared to be maxed out, meaning if they wanted to sign any more free agents — or undrafted free agents — they would have to start releasing players in order to make room.

Those decisions on who to release began today, as the Lions announced they have released linebacker Steve Longa, wide receiver Jonathan Duhart, and tight end Paul Butler from their contracts.

Longa is the biggest name on this list as he has been a fixture on the Lions special teams for two of the last three seasons, after missing 2018 with an ACL injury that landed him in injured reserve.

Duhart originally signed with the Lions after last year’s draft but was released at cutdowns in early September. He signed onto the Lions practice squad but was released after only a few days and remained unsigned throughout the season. He was brought back on a Futures Deal last January but never saw the field before today’s release.

Butler also signed a Futures Deal with the Lions in January, after previously spending time with the Oakland Raiders.

The Lions current roster has 78 players and they currently hold nine draft picks with the NFL Draft just over a week away.