The battle for undisputed will take place inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Making his pro debut in 2012, Inoue is a former light-flyweight and super-flyweight champion. In 2018 he won the WBA (Regular) bantamweight title against Jamie McDonnell. From 2018-2019, Inoue competed in the World Boxing Super Series bantamweight tournament. He beat Emmanuel Rodriguez for the IBF and The Ring bantamweight titles and, in the finals, beat Nonito Donaire for the WBA title.
Following that run, Inoue signed with Top Rank. Inoue has defended the bantamweight titles under the Top Rank banner four times. He beat Jason Moloney, Michael Dasmarinas, Aran Dipaen, and Donaire in a rematch, all via knockout.
MORE: Sign up to watch Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler, exclusively on ESPN+
A gold and silver medalist in the English National Championships, Butler made his pro debut in 2010. In 2014 he won the IBF bantamweight title against Stuart Hall. After losing against Emmanuel Rodriguez for the IBF bantamweight title in 2018, Butler has won eight in a row.
In April, Butler beat Jonas Sultan for the then-interim WBO bantamweight title.
“I’ve been boxing for over 20 years and all the successes and set-backs have led me here, to the biggest fight of my career, with the biggest prize in the sport on offer,” Butler said in a release. “I am under no illusions as to the size of the task that faces me, but I have been going to bed dreaming of becoming the undisputed bantamweight champion of the world.
“Inoue is a phenomenal fighter, but not one person should be underestimating me, my skills, or my resolve. I am going to Japan to write my name into the history of our sport.”
Here is a complete guide for Inoue vs. Butler, including the start time, fight card, updated betting odds, and more. The Sporting News will be providing updates as time goes on.
MORE: Nonito Donaire breaks down Inoue vs. Butler
When is Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler?
Date: Tuesday, December 13 Start time: 5:30 a. m. ET | 10:30 a. m. GMT | 9:30 p. m. AEDT | 7:30 p. m. JST Main event: 7:30 a. m. ET | 12:30 p. m. GMT | 11:30 p. m. AEDT | 9:30 p. m. JST (approx. )
Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler takes place on December 13. The main card starts at 5:30 a.m. ET | 10:30 a.m. GMT | 9:30 p.m. AEDT | 7:30 p.m. JST. Inoue and Butler should make their way to the ring around 7:30 a.m. ET | 12:30 p.m. GMT | 11:30 p.m. AEDT | 9:30 p.m. JST, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler
In the United States, Inoue vs. Butler is available on ESPN+. In Japan, it is available via dTV and Hikari TV.
In Australia, you can watch the fight via Kayo.
MORE: Sign up to watch Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler, exclusively on ESPN+
Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler price: How much will the fight cost?
You can pay $9.99 for a monthly subscription to ESPN+ or buy an annual subscription for $99.99.
Where is Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler?
Inoue vs. Butler takes place inside the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The arena can hold up to 15,000 people.
Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler odds
Per BetMGM, Inoue is the -3000 favorite, while Butler is the +1100 underdog.
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Inoue is the -5208 favorite, while Butler is the +1400 underdog.
Naoya Inoue record and bio
Nationality: Japanese Born: April 10, 1993 Height: 5-5 Reach: 67. 5 inches Total fights: 23 Record: 23-0 with 20 wins via knockout
MORE: Is Naoya Inoue ready to become pound-for-pound king?
Paul Butler record and bio
Nationality: English Born: November 11, 1988 Height: 5-6 Reach: 65 inches Total fights: 36 Record: 34-2 with 15 wins via knockout
Naoya Inoue vs. Paul Butler fight card
Naoya Inoue (c) vs. Paul Butler (c) for the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring bantamweight titles Yoshiki Takei (c) vs. Bruno Tarimo for the OBPF super-bantamweight title Andy Hiraoka (c) vs. Min Ho Jung for the WBO Asia Pacific super-lightweight title Satoshi Shimizu (c) vs. Landy Cris Leon for the OPBF featherweight title Takuma Inoue vs. Jake Bornea Hironori Miyake vs. Peter McGrail
