BoxRec

Although Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said over the weekend that middleweight world titlist Demetrius Andrade's next defense will be against Canada's Stephen Butler on either Dec. 13 on a Daniel Jacobs-headlined card or on a Dec. 21 Golden Boy card, Butler is instead headed to Japan in December to challenge secondary titlist Royota Murata, two sources told ESPN on Monday. According to one source, Butler, who has won 10 fights in a row, received offers to fight Andrade and Murata but has accepted a more lucrative offer to challenge Murata.

Dan Rafael, ESPN Senior Writer

BLF



There’s no specific date yet, but it’s safe to assume that this will be part of one of the country’s jam-packed New Year’s Eve shows. If so, it’ll be Murata’s (15-2, 12 KO) first time appearing in one since 2016.

I don’t think Butler’s (28-1-1, 24 KO) odds of victories changed with the opponent switch. Murata’s easier to hit than Andrade, making the one-punch upset more feasible, but the Canadian slugger has shown durability issues in the past that the seek-and-destroy Murata could exploit in dramatic fashion.

Deffo won't be NYE.

Boxing Prospect wrote: ↑08 Oct 2019, 11:14 Deffo won't be NYE.

Why?

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑08 Oct 2019, 12:24

Boxing Prospect wrote: ↑08 Oct 2019, 11:14 Deffo won't be NYE.

Why?

Because the channel that air Murata's fights in Japan don't do boxing on December 31st (TBS do, and Ioka will be on NYE) Murata will likely be in the days before hand (Fuji TV tend to do their year ending show a day or two earlier) - Fuji also tend to do an MMA or Rizin show on December 31st. Seen speculation this will actually be just before Christmas

I have watched some of Butler

He is one of those guys who looks to have all the talents, yet then somehow as a total package is less effective than you'd think he'd be. Verdejo is another guy like this.

http://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/ ... s-yaegashi

After weeks of rumour and speculation we finally got the announcement of Fuji's huge end of year card today. And it was much bigger and more exciting than any of us had anticipated.

As had been previously reported the card will take place on December 23rd in Japan will not only feature one world title bout, but 3! Including an amazing world title eliminator and a chance for a modern legend to get one final big win, before potentially ending his career. It also leaves the door open to a notable under-card return.

The one bout that was well known about before hand was the WBA "regular" Middleweight championship bout between Ryota Murata (15-2, 12) [村田 諒太] to and once beaten Canadian Steven Butler (28-1-1, 24). This was announced as the show's main event and will see Murata make his first defense of his second reign in what looks like an excellent match up on paper. Butler might not be a huge name, but as a match up on paper this should sell it's self.

The legend in action is former 3-weight world champion Akira Yaegashi (28-6, 16) [八重樫 東]. The hugely popular Yaegashi had been public about hoping to get a Super Flyweight world title bout. He's failed to do that, but he has managed to land a different world title bout, as he shares the ring with IBF Flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane (38-2, 25), in an attempt to become a 2-time Flyweight champion. For Mthalane this will be his third successive bout against a Japanese opponent following wins over Masahiro Sakamoto, on December 31st last year, and Masayuki Kuroda, earlier this year.

The third of the world title bouts, and the one we are the most excited about, will see WBC Light Flyweight champion Kenshiro (16-0, 9) [拳四朗] defending his title in a unification bout with IBF champion Felix Alvarado (35-2, 30). Through the year we have seen Kenshiro and WBA "super" champion Hiroto Kyoguchi both speak about unification bouts, to see one of the two men landing a bout at this level is great, even better when it features a high risk and power punching fighter like Alvarado. This bout really will strengthen the winner's claim the be #1 in the division and will be Alvarado's second successive bout against a Japanese fighter following a win earlier this year against Reiya Konishi.

Although not announced this is also expected to be the show where we will see the return of former WBC Flyweight champion Daigo Higa (15-1, 15) [比嘉 大吾], with an announcement about that set to come later this year!

​For those wanting to attend the event it will take place at the Yokohama Arena.

Fuji are ending the year big, and by big we mean huge with this amazing show, and without a doubt a contender for card of the year.

Asian Boxing also reports that the show is “expected” to feature the return of former champion Daigo Higa (15-1, 15 KO).

https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/10/4/2 ... ion-boxing

Japan and these indefinite suspensions..

WBA middleweight title bout
Ryota Murata (Japan) Vs. Steven Butler (Canada)
Height: 183.5cm/181.8cm 6”/5’11.5”
Reach: 190.0cm/190.0cm 74.8”/74.8”
Neck: 39.0cm/39.0cm 15.4”/15.4”
Chest: 97.0cm/91.0cm 38.2”/35.8”

They have very similar physique, though Murata is a little taller and his chest is a bit bigger.

Press Release

Murata-Butler, Moruti Mthalane-Akira Yaegashi, Kenshiro Teraji-Randy Petalcorin and the return of Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez to stream exclusively on ESPN+ at 3:55 am ET/12:55 am PT.

(Dec. 20, 2019) — Two days before Christmas, American fight fans will be treated to a special fistic stocking stuffer, a world championship tripleheader plus the return of the former pound-for-pound king and future Hall of Famer, Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.

In the main event, from Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, 2012 Japanese Olympic gold medalist Ryota Murata will defend his WBA middleweight world title against Canadian challenger Steven Butler. The co-feature will pit IBF flyweight world champion Moruti Mthalane against former three-weight world champion Akira Yaegashi.

World title bout number three will see Kenshiro “The Amazing Boy” Teraji defend his WBC light flyweight world title for the seventh time against former interim world champion Randy Petalcorin.

Former four-division world champion Gonzalez, on the comeback trail, will fight Filipino underdog Diomel Diocos in an eight-rounder at junior bantamweight.

This special, early-morning edition of “Breakfast and Boxing” will stream live Monday on ESPN+, the leading multi-sport streaming service, beginning at 3:55 a.m. ET/12:55 a.m. PT.

Murata (15-2, 12 KOs) vs. Butler (28-1-1, 24 KOs)

Murata regained the WBA middleweight world title in July from Rob Brant, the man who defeated him last October via unanimous decision in a shocking upset. Murata first won the belt in October 2017 with a knockout over Hassan N’Dam, then defended the belt the following April over Emanuele Blandamura. He stopped Brant in two rounds in their rematch, reversing the tide and setting himself up for potential superfights should he win. Butler, from Montreal, is 10-0 with nine knockouts since the lone defeat of his career. This will be only his second bout outside of Canada.

Mthalane (38-2, 25 KOs) vs. Yaegashi (28-6, 16 KOs)

Mthalane, South Africa’s only current world champion, is one of the most accomplished boxers in his nation’s history. A two-time IBF flyweight world champion who first held the title from 2009-2014, he regained the title last July with a decision over the then-unbeaten Muhammad Waseem on the Manny Pacquiao-Lucas Matthysse undercard in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He last fought May 13 in Tokyo, outlasting hometown favorite Masayuki Kuroda over 12 rounds. The 36-year-old Yaegashi, who has won world titles at minimumweight, light flyweight and flyweight, is a noted action star who defended the lineal flyweight crown three times and was the victor in the 2011 ESPN.com of the Year against Pornsawan Porpramook. He has won three in a row since losing his IBF light flyweight title via shocking first-round stoppage loss to Milan Melindo.

Teraji (16-0, 9 KOs) vs. Petalcorin (31-3-1, 23 KOs)

Teraji was a Japanese amateur standout who won the title he currently holds in just his 10th pro fight. Apart from a majority decision over Pedro Guevara in his first title defense, he has been a dominant champion, notching four KOs in his last five defenses. Petalcorin has won two in a row since a spirited effort in a failed October 2018 title challenge against IBF light flyweight world champion Felix Alvarado, who was signed to fight Teraji in a title unification tilt before pulling out with a reported lung illness.

Gonzalez (47-2, 39 KOs) vs. Diocos (14-5-3, 4 KOs)

Gonzalez, one of the greatest lighter-weight fighters in boxing history, was atop many pound-for-pound rankings before losing a highly controversial decision to Srisaket Sor Rungvisai in March 2017. He was knocked out in their rematch less than six months later, but he rebounded with a fifth-round knockout over Moises Fuentes in September 2018. He won his first world title at 105 pounds in 2008 and rolled through the competition in four weight classes with wins over the likes of Juan Francisco Estrada, Brian Viloria, Carlos Cuadras, Edgar Sosa and Yaegashi. Diocos, a Filipino veteran, has only been stopped once as a pro.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑04 Dec 2019, 15:13 Asian Boxing also reports that the show is “expected” to feature the return of former champion Daigo Higa (15-1, 15 KO).

https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/10/4/2 ... ion-boxing

Japan and these indefinite suspensions..

Higa's return now confirmed for Feb (sounds like Gonzalez and Higa were both pencilled in for the same slot, Gonzalez got the call and Higa's return was pushed back)

Boxing Prospect wrote: ↑20 Dec 2019, 17:11

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑04 Dec 2019, 15:13 Asian Boxing also reports that the show is “expected” to feature the return of former champion Daigo Higa (15-1, 15 KO).

https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/10/4/2 ... ion-boxing

Japan and these indefinite suspensions..

Higa's return now confirmed for Feb (sounds like Gonzalez and Higa were both pencilled in for the same slot, Gonzalez got the call and Higa's return was pushed back)

Ah sweet. Was beginning to wonder.

Who won?
And who won the semi main.

Results aren't up.

Murata dominated the five rounds until the KO. Butler was just not ready for this kind of opposition.

Moruti Mthalane Breaks Down Akira Yaegashi In Nine Rounds

Another night, another road win for Moruti Mthalane.

The latest traveling adventure found the ageless South African retaining his flyweight title after stopping former three-division titlist Akira Yaegashi in nine rounds Monday evening at Yokohama Arena in Yaegashi’s hometown of Yokohama, Japan.

An accumulation of punishment left referee Mario Gonzalez to step in and stop the contest at 2:54 of round nine.

Ryota Murata Drops, Stops Steven Butler In Five Rounds

The past 12 months proved far more memorable to Ryota Murata than was the case a year ago.

The two-time and reigning secondary middleweight titlist closed out 2019 with a bang, taking out Steven 'Bang Bang' Butler in a one-sided 5th round stoppage win Monday evening at Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan.

Murata dropped Canada's Butler late in round five, prompting an immediate stoppage. The official time was 2:45 of round five.

Several plot twists paved the way for Monday’s bout to take place. Murata was due to enter a rubber match with Minnesota’s Rob Brant, whom he stopped in two rounds to regain his title after suffering a one-sided 12-round loss to the high-volume punching American middleweight last October.

Brant exercised his rematch (to the rematch) option but ultimately instead opted to head in a different direction, with the promise of a title fight there when he wants it. As it relates to this show, the moved paved the way for Murata—a 2012 Olympic Gold medalist for Japan—to enter a voluntary title defense.

It also left wiggle room for Butler to pursue what he felt was a better style matchup. The streaking contender from Canada was named the mandatory challenger to Demetrius Andrade’s middleweight title, but quickly bailed on ordered negotiations to take the more lucrative assignment versus Murata, even if for a secondary title. The early going of Monday’s main event suggested a wise business decision made, as Butler was able to score with right hands in the early going.

Murata was equally as effective with his own right hand, riding out the incoming to connect with his power shots before taking control of the action in round two. Swelling began to form around Butler’s right eye, the effect of Murata’s stiff jab setting the table for clean right hands upstairs.

The jab continued to work for Murata in round three, pushing around the 24-year old first-time title challenger and forcing him to clinch following a right hand to Butler’s chin midway through round three. Butler’s best moments in the frame came in the first minute, scoring with a left hook but quickly giving way to Murata’s increased attack.

It would only get worse for Butler as the fight continued. Murata continued to have his way offensively, while with little reason to fear the return fire. Butler’s punches lacked any steam as the bout entered round five, throwing for the sake of touching Murata but not landing anything of consequence.

Murata truly seized the moment, wobbling Butler with a right hand late in round five. As he did just five months ago in regaining his version of the middleweight title, Murata didn’t hesitate in closing the show. Butler found himself cornered and with too much time left on the clock, as Murata split the guard and sent him crashing to the canvas.

The sequence was enough to convince referee Rafael Ramos to immediately call a halt to the contest.

Murata registers the first defense of his second tour as a secondary titlist as he improves to 16-2 (13KOs). The national hero held the same title for roughly a year, his first reign also coming courtesy of a revenge-fueled knockout win as he stopped Hassan N’Dam N’Jikam in the 7th round of their Oct. 2017 battle, five months after dropping a highly questionable 12-round decision in their vacant title fight.

Talks will continue of the popular Tokyo-based middleweight pursuing higher-profile opportunities versus lineal champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez—should he return to 160—and two-time titleholder Gennadiy 'GGG' Golovkin. A more likely scenario, however, is a contractually-obliged third fight with Brant once the American is ready to return to the ring.

As for Butler, the loss snaps his 10-fight win streak coming as he falls to 28-2-1 (24KOs).

The bout streamed live on ESPN+ in the United States and aired live on Fuji-TV in Japan.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for Boxing Scene. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

That was a nice KO tbf

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑23 Dec 2019, 12:47 That was a nice KO tbf

It was pretty good tbh

Couple good rabbit punches prior to the KO

Murata was so bad in the first Brant fight, I think he's better than that tbf