Paul Butler

Paul Butler, born on November 11, 1988, in Chester, Cheshire, England, is a professional boxer known as the "Baby Faced Assassin." Standing at 5 feet 6 inches with a reach of 65 inches, he has competed in the bantamweight division.

Butler began his professional career in December 2010 and has since achieved significant milestones, including holding the International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title in 2014 and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight title in 2022. He also secured the British and Commonwealth super-flyweight titles in 2012 and 2013, respectively. Butler has faced notable opponents. In 2015, he was defeated by Zolani Tete. In 2022, he faced Naoya Inoue but lost the bout.

Butler, nicknamed the “Baby Faced Assassin,” brings a unique juxtaposition to the lighter weight divisions in boxing. Like many fighters in the lower weight classes, his nickname draws inspiration from a historical figure - infamous gangster Baby Face Nelson. This nod reflects the grit, ferocity, and street-smart toughness that lighter-weight boxers often embody despite their youthful or unassuming appearances. Butler’s moniker also aligns him with the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera, another fighter known for pairing a baby-faced look with an unforgiving, gangster-like demeanor inside the ring.

In his December 2022 fight against Naoya Inoue, Butler showed the same mental toughness and resilience associated with his nickname. Facing a dominant champion like Inoue, known as “The Monster,” Butler utilized his defensive skills, high guard, and footwork to absorb the relentless pressure. However, his attempts to weather the storm proved insufficient as Inoue systematically broke him down over the course of the fight. The 11th-round stoppage was a testament to Inoue’s power and precision, but Butler’s grit and determination shone through, even in defeat.

Butler’s approach and nickname serve as a reminder that lighter-weight fighters often pack the same “gangster” spirit as their heavier counterparts, bringing tactical brilliance and unyielding courage to every bout. Whether fighting to outlast his opponent or delivering sharp counters, Butler’s style reflects the indomitable will and scrappy tenacity that define the best in his division.