Connor Butler inspired by Sunny Edwards
Little big man Connor Butler says he is inspired to become a Flyweight great by Sunny Edwards.
The 5ft 3in Liverpool boxer takes a step towards his first major title in his home city’s Olympia on Saturday April 23 in a VIP Boxing and Trinity Entertainment promoted bill.
Butler (6-0-1, 1 KO) who was born in London’s East End faces Shepshed’s Benn Norman (5-0) over ten rounds in a Commonwealth Flyweight title eliminator.
Part of the ‘St George’s Day Battle’ event will include Tyson Fury’s WBC World Heavyweight title defence against Dillian Whyte being broadcast live on a giant screen.
Fury and Whyte might be two of boxing’s biggest names, but Butler is driven on by the World’s number one Flyweight, IBF title holder Edwards.
Butler, a full time office worker for a transportation company said: “The way Sunny is going about his business outside of the ring is inspiring to fighters on the way up.
“Sunny has his own little stable of boxers, breeds dogs, owns houses. The lad is doing it right and when he does retire he hasn’t got to go and work.
“He gets under people’s skin, but he is very clever and Grant Smith is a great trainer. I don’t know him personally, but I love the way he goes about his work.
“He gets paid well, but deserves more because of the talent that he has. The level of entertainment he provides in and out the ring is fantastic.
“My dream is to be mortgage free by the time I am 30. I want to put my fight money away and invest it wisely like Sunny.
“Who knows, I could fight him one day but by the time I get to World level he will be happily retired.”
The Commonwealth eight stone championship is currently vacant so the winner of Butler v Norman should be in line for a shot.
Butler added: “Benn and myself are undefeated and both want to take that next step in our careers.
“I can’t wait. I’ve put a lot of graft into this camp, focused on tactics, getting super strong and I can’t wait to make a statement on the night.
“I want to be in the mix for the Commonwealth title this year and cement a legacy.
“It’s going well for me and without the backing of Steve Wood and VIP Promotions I wouldn’t be in this position.
“Before I met him my boxing career was literally not a career and I was falling out of love with the sport.
“I rolled the dice because I wanted to buy a house for my family and I’ve landed on my feet with Steve."
Also in action on the bill is Nathan Bennett (9-3, 2 KOs), Ben Burnham (1-0, 1 KO), Charlotte Powell (Debut), Desire Adami (1-0), Dexter Makaza (3-0, 2 KOs), James McCarthy (1-1), Liam Moon (1-0) Marcos Molly (4-0, 1 KO) and Ryan Dickens (2-0).
Boxing commences at 5.30 and is then followed by the live big screen broadcast for Tyson Fury v Dillian Whyte.
Ticket prices £35 Upper Balcony, £40 Lower Balcony, £50 Floor and £70 Ringside. Available from www.vipboxing.co.uk and 01942 874 241.
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