World Boxing Super Series sets alternates for May 18 card in Glasgow

Bantamweight Paul Butler and junior welterweight Apinun Khongsong, aka Downua Ruawaiking, are set as alternates for next Saturday’s World Boxing Super Series event in Glasgow, Scotland.

The junior welterweight bout is between Josh Taylor and IBF titleholder Ivan Baranchyk, while the bantamweight fight is between WBA “world” titleholder Naoya Inoue and IBF titleholder Emmanuel Rodriguez.

You’ll recall, of course, that we just had a situation where an alternate had to be called upon on April 27, when Nonito Donaire was set to face Zolani Tete in a tournament semifinal in Louisiana. Tete got hurt and withdrew, and Stephon Young had to step in on short notice. Donaire knocked him flat out in six to advance to the final.

Butler (28-2, 14 KO) is a former bantamweight titleholder, beating Stuart Hall for the belt in 2014. He never defended it, moving back down to super flyweight, where he lost a challenge for the 115-pound IBF belt to the aforementioned Tete in 2015. He challenged Rodriguez for his belt in May 2018 and lost a decision, down twice in the first round.

Khongsong (15-0, 12 KO) is a 22-year-old fighter from Thailand who beat Japanese veteran Akihiro Kondo by fifth round knockout in his last fight on Feb. 18.