Philippines, 24 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Sultan loses but never quits


PhilBoxing.com



Sultan.
Jonas Sultan failed in his bid to claim the WBO interim bantamweight title, losing a unanimous 12-round decision to hometowner Paul Butler in Liverpool, England, Friday night (yesterday morning, Manila time). But there was no quit in his heart as he gave it his all in trying to live up to his moniker “One Punch.”

Butler proved too slick and crafty for Sultan to pin down as the English stylist repeatedly beat the Filipino to the punch, landed combinations and ran rings to stay away from harm’s way. From the start, Butler set the tone by striking from distance to leave Sultan swinging wildly at a phantom target. Occasionally, Sultan connected with shots to the head and body but they were sporadic. He pursued Butler relentlessly, hoping to lay a trap in the corners. Butler had too much respect for Sultan’s power to engage from close range extensively and often left the Filipino lunging aimlessly.

MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons, who worked Sultan’s corner with his son Brendan and Irish cutman Andy O’Neill, said Butler stuck to a gameplan that worked like a charm. “Styles didn’t mesh,” he said. “No excuses. Jonas tried running in, moving side to side, jabbing but Butler had all the answers. Jonas tried his best but Butler was in the zone, fighting the best fight of his career. Jonas gave 110 percent but credit to Butler and his trainer Joe Gallagher. Butler took him to a track meet and fought like a white Rigondeaux in a crazy amateur style. He did what he had to do to win.” The judges had no difficulty choosing the winner. Howard Foster scored it 116-112, Manuel Palomo 118-110 and Fernando Laguna 117-111. “Pinagaralan ako,” said Sultan. “Kaya ko suntok niya. ‘Di ko lang maabutan. Hinabol ko pero maganda ang kaniyang footwork.”

GAB chairman Baham Mitra was at ringside and said he was disappointed because “I came to watch boxing not a race.” Sultan’s manager Mrs. Cory Navarro flew in from Australia to watch the fight and said she was proud of his effort. Gibbons said Sultan will take 60 to 90 days off then get himself ready for another fight in September. “I’ve seen ups and downs in boxing,” he said. “Jonas got outslapped by Butler, he wasn’t knocked out, he lost to the better guy but he’ll be back. I guarantee he’ll fight for the world title again.”


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Joaquin Henson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Opening Round Bouts Set for Team USA at 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Mon, 23 Feb 2026
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Expresses Pride as Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Secure Wild Card Entry to WBSC World Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 23 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Set to Compete at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria
    , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • SMEP, SAEP round 6 standoff in PTC WED NEMO 4th D’ Engineers Chess Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 22 Feb 2026
  • Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy
    By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • “Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS)
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • "Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos
    , Sat, 21 Feb 2026
  • Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia?
    By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Pacman bout details revealed
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV
    , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Sante Barley Trilogy Leg 1 on March 29 in Azuela
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • Team Rapid chess tourney goes to Pasay City on March 8 By Marlon Bernardino
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026
  • 3rd Horse Show & competition scheduled on February 21-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Robinsons Bacolod Chess Festival set
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • TRAINING CAMP NOTES: Alex Bray Set for WBA Continental Latin American Title Clash February 20 in Orlando
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • Ryan ‘The Bruiser’ Rozicki Calls out Jai Opetaia
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026
  • BREAKING NEWS: DAZN AND MATCHROOM BOXING SIGN NEW FIVE-YEAR DEAL
    , Thu, 19 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.