by Andrew Paterson

Liverpool, England, Echo Arena -  Former IBF Bantamweight champion Paul Butler vacated his world title to move back down to Super Flyweight and challenge the IBF champion Zolani Tete, however the fight was called off after Tete broke his hand in training.

Butler was understandable gutted however he had to pick himself up and prepare himself to face Mexico’s Ismael Garnica.

Butler stated pre-fight that the only thing that got him motivated to fight Garnica was sparring with Michael Katsidis.  Butler weighed in at 116 ¾ lbs and Garnica weighed 115 ½ lbs.

Butler wasted no time in letting out his frustration as he backed Garnica up with body shots and a pin point jab and being constantly on the front foot.  However, even though Butler was having great success Garnica soaked it all up and showed his toughness.

Butler’s left hook was working a treat again in the 2nd round as he caught Garnica coming with his guard open which then saw Butler step up the tempo of the fight.  Garnica attempted to respond but Butler fell into the Philly shell and blocked all the shots.

Butler kept up his brutal assault in the 3rd round as he drove the Mexican challenger into the ropes with another left hook.  Garnica got Butler to the ropes and began to unload, however Butler showed his defensive skills by again going into the Philly shell and blocked or evaded every single shot.

Butler stalked Garnica for the entire 4th round as the Mexican moved around the ring.  Butler was able to catch him with a minute left that sagged Garnica into the ropes but Butler wouldn’t rush his work, picking his punches and not wasting energy on needless shots.  Butler turned southpaw and began finding a home for his lead left hand.

Butler started the 5th round moving stances as he patiently waiting for an opening before going to work Garnica though was still game and decided to have a go back.

Late in the 6th round it looked like Garnica was about to wilt under Butler’s pressure but would again respond and in the last thirty or so seconds of the round managed to mount a mini attack of his own.

The 7th took a similar path to the 6th round however three vicious left hooks from Butler prompted to the referee to have a look at Garnica but the Mexican came back again.

By the 8th round Butler was able to switch stance and practically land at will as Garnica simply had no answers and was now breathing through an open mouth.  The situation never changed through the 9th and 10th rounds as Butler closed the fight like he started it…the boss and won by a clear decision of 100-91 by referee Mark Lyson who was the sole judge.