Stuart Hall lost his IBF Bantamweight title on Saturday night as he dropped a split points decision to Paul Butler.
Paul Butler has been crowned the new IBF bantamweight world champion after dethroning Stuart Hall on points in a thrilling all-British title fight on Saturday night.
Fighting at the 118lb limit for just the second time, Butler extended his unbeaten record to 16 fights after prevailing via a split decision 115-113, 117-111, 113-115 at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.
Darlington's Hall had originally claimed the title by defeating South African Vusi Malinga late last year and then went on to successfully defend it against Martin Ward, with that bout ended early by a clash of heads.
Butler had opted to step up in weight having previously won the British and Commonwealth titles at super-flyweight and impressed throughout with his fast attacks.
Hall arguably threw the bigger shots but was outworked for much of the fight by the young challenger from Ellesmere Port who had gone into the fight as a strong favourite with the bookies.
"I thought I won the first six rounds and then two or three of the later ones," Butler told BoxNation afterwards.
"I think it was a great fight and I'd be happy to give Stuey a rematch as he gave me this chance."
Hall thought he had done enough to win it, but would be happy to face Butler again.
"I thought I won it by a round. It was close so I'm not sure where the judge gets 117-111 from. I let him get away at the start - he's very slick. But I'd love to do it again."