Ryota Murata (16-2, 13 KOs) knocked Steven Butler (28-2-1, 24 KOs) out in the fifth round in the main event of the evening in Yokohama. The Japanese defended his regular WBA middleweight belt.
The fight started with Murata dominating every episode of the encounter, what forced the Canadian to defend himself at all times while Murata was landing combinations at will. Butler was clearly weakening with each round and could not oppose anything his opponent pressure.
The bout ended after a series of punches by the Japanese. First Murat repeatedly hit with the right, and added left hook. The Canadian fell on the floor, and the referee stopped the fight without opening a count.
