Stu Hall: IBF bantamweight champion confident of title defence

Darlington bantamweight Stu Hall has dismissed challenger Paul Butler's chances of taking his IBF world title when the pair fight on 7 June.

Hall, 34, will meet Butler at Newcastle Arena in his second defence after his last bout against Martin Ward ended in a technical draw last month.

"We sparred together a few times, he's an up-and-coming fighter out to prove himself," Hall told BBC Look North.

"He thinks he's going to stop me but there's no chance of that happening."

He added: "They'll [the Butler camp] be dead confident, he's unbeaten for a reason. But I don't think he's fought anyone of my calibre - I'll be keeping the belt."

The pair have worked together in the past in preparation for previous fights, so both have experience of their respective punching power.

However, Hall has fought at a higher weight for much of his career. Butler, meanwhile, has spent time in the light flyweight, flyweight, super flyweight divisions and won titles at the latter weight.

"In all honesty I'm bigger than him as a person," Hall said.

"He might be the same weight but he's not going to be anywhere near as strong.

"He's going to get a shock on the night, I'm the world champion and he's going to see how hard I punch."