Defending IBF 115-pound titleholder Zolani Tete tags Paul Butler, who would eventually be knocked out in the eighth round. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images.

Former IBF bantamweight titleholder Paul Butler returns to action on June 20, in Liverpool, England, with hopes that victory will be the first step towards capturing a second world championship.

In March, Butler had attempted to become the first British fighter in over 100 years to win a second world title at a lower weight, when he challenged Zolani Tete for the IBF junior bantamweight title.

A shuddering eighth round knockout loss put an end to those lofty ambitions, but the gutsy 26-year-old is now desperate to regain the same form which saw him emerge as one of the most exciting fighters on British shores.

“For me it’s about getting in the ring and firing back into action,” said Butler via a press release issued by Queensberry Promotions.

“The Tete defeat was hard to take but I lost to a world class fighter – simple as that. It’s time to pick myself up, dust myself off, and I can’t wait to work my way back into title contention. I want to prove to myself, my fans, the public and the media that I can be world champion again.

Butler continued, “The thought of quitting never entered my mind. I knew in my heart that I wanted to fight again but I just had to get my head around the loss, get back in the gym, and now I’m ready to go.”

Acclaimed trainer Anthony Farnell is equally confident and agrees that Butler’s fires are fully rekindled.

He said, “Paul lost to a great fighter and there’s no shame in that. He fought the best and came up short, but now we’re ready for a second run at the title.

“A defeat can knock your confidence, but Paul went straight back to the gym and he’s already been sparring. He’s got the bit between his teeth and I can see it in his eyes that he wants it bad.”

Butler, 17-1 (8 knockouts), is yet to secure an opponent for his return.

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter: @Tom_Gray_Boxing