World champion laughs off Naoya Inoue 'death wish' comments ahead of fight talks
- Planet Sport writer
- 8 June 2022
Paul Butler has revealed he is already in talks for a unification in the hometown of Inoue and is backing himself to deliver a huge upset alongside trainer Joe Gallagher.
Butler was made WBO titleholder last month after winning the interim belt with a masterclass performance against Jonas Sultan and has already told Inoue's representatives that he wants to fight their man.
"I've read all sorts of comments and predictions about the fight, already: 'Butler has a death wish', 'Inoue to win by murder' and agreeing to the fight would be like 'signing someone's death warrant,'" Butler told Probellum.
"He hits very hard but what's the worst that can happen? He knocks me out. I've been stopped before and let me make it clear, I will be going into that fight believing I can win.
"I will be walking to the ring believing, as I always do, that I can win the fight and become the undisputed bantamweight champion of the world."
One of boxing's leading pound-for-pound fighters, Inoue is a star attraction in Japan and Butler has no problem with facing 'Monster' in his backyard.
"I want the fight in Japan, I would be silly not to," he said."If the fight could be made over here, fine, but if I get extra for fighting in Japan, then that's what I'll do.
"Hopefully contact can continue between both teams. Before the Donaire fight, Inoue's team had put the feelers out, asking if I would take the fight and, if so, where would I want it?
"I've told them I want it and I want it in Japan. Hopefully, we can get this big fight."
Butler has yet to return to the gym with coach Joe Gallagher but has started to ready his body for a return to a gruelling training camp in order to prepare for Inoue.
"From now, I would need 12 weeks, at least," Butler added.
"I've not been back in the gym since the Sultan fight, but I could be ready by the start of October.
"I was nervous going into the Inoue vs Donaire fight because I was hoping Inoue would win as I know how big a fight with him would be.
"I was starting to get itchy knuckles throughout the build-up and did my first punching session, since winning the world title, on Monday night. I'll continue to put in one or two sessions a day now until we get the green light and it's all systems go."
