Despite only preparing for Paul Butler in a week’s time, Jonas Sultan still put up a fight on Saturday morning (Manila time) at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.
Still, the fight the Zamboangueno showed was not enough to cop the World Boxing Organization World Bantamweight Championship, bowing to the Englishman via majority decision (116-112, 118-110, 117-111).
Sultan had replaced John Riel Casimero after the reigning champion was seen violating the British Boxing Board of Control’s regulation on weight-cutting after heading to a sauna to shed some pounds.
Sultan still took control of the bout early as he pushed the pressure on the well-prepared Butler.
Butler though showed poise in the latter rounds to secure the points.
“I have waited a long time to be a two-time world champion,” said Butler, who went up to 34-2. “It’s been a long journey and we only had 48 hours to come up with a game plan for Sultan but that’s what I can do. I nullified the bull tonight.”
Sultan saw his three-fight winning streak snap to fall to 18-6.
The card was promoted by Probellum.
