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HALL WOWS TO RETAIN IBF TITLE AGAINST BUTLER
23/04/2014 - 8.27.32
Stuart Hall vows to retain IBF world title against unbeaten Paul Butler• Bantamweight to fight in Newcastle on 7 June
IBF world bantamweight champion, Stuart Hall, right, insists Paul Butler, left, is 'good but the opportunity has come too soon for him'. Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images Stuart Hall has vowed to extend his reign as International Boxing Federation bantamweight champion when he takes on Ellesmere Port's unbeaten Paul Butler in Newcastle on 7 June.
The 34-year-old Hall made an unsatisfactory first defence of his title in March when opponent Martin Ward suffered a bad cut over his left eye in the second round of their bout.
But Hall still believes he has had time to get used to his lofty status since he claimed the title with a thrilling points win over South Africa's Vusi Malinga in December.
Hall said: "I've grown into being a world champion and I'm not letting my world title go.
"Paul's a good young fighter but this opportunity has come too soon for him. I'm too big and strong for him and it will show on the night."
Source: www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/apr/22/stuart-hall-ibf-world-title-paul-butler-boxing |
