Los Angeles, CA (June 15, 2008) – If not for getting clipped in the eighth round against journeyman Art Binkowski after dropping him three times, Rochester, MN heavyweight Raphael Butler would be on an impressive 15-fight winning streak and a Top Ten ranking..
Instead, Butler (31-4, 24 KOs) is heading to the Cayman Islands today with a modest six-bout winning skein in tow for a USBA Heavyweight Title challenge against defending champion and world-rated contender “Fast” Eddie Chambers (30-1, 16 KOs). The scheduled 12-round contest is slated to be held at the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal in the Grand Cayman capital city of George Town.
“I know I have to win this fight,” Butler acknowledged. “If I lose, it could be my last opportunity. So I’m acting as if this is my whole career and life on the line, and I’ve trained that way. I’m very confident because I’m in the best shape of my life and Eddie Chambers is the fighter that I’ve always wanted to fight because I think he is the best style matchup for me.
“This was the best training camp I ever had. We trained in both California and Colorado Springs. We trained in California so that we could spar with James Toney and Malik Scott, who have great style similarities to Chambers. And then we came to Colorado Springs because it’s over a mile high for the altitude. And I sparred 116 rounds, which is the most I’ve ever sparred, and I was already in good shape coming into camp because I just fought Otis Tisdale. My weight is down 20 pounds over three months ago, and I am ready to go 12 rounds.”
“I know I’ll win the fight. I don’t care if it’s by knockout or decision. If he decides to come to fight, he’ll probably get knocked out. If he goes into a shell, I’ll win on points.”