The women’s welterweight division took center stage on Friday, June 27, at Ring Wars XVII, as Shannel Butler and Cara McLaughlin collided in a fierce, action-packed contest that kept fans on their feet at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. With both fighters eager to make a statement, the bout delivered intensity, grit, and a performance that could shift momentum in the 147-pound class.
Ring Wars XVII
Watch Now: Online Full Fight
Date/Time: Friday 06.27.2025 at 07:00 PM ET
U.S. Broadcast: Internet PPV
Promotion: King’s Promotions
Venue: 2300 Arena
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Enclosure: Ring
Matchmaker: Raul Chirino, Corey Kauffman, Marshall Kauffman
Boxing Bouts: 10
Pre-Fight Hype: Prospect Meets Pressure Fighter
Shannel Butler (3-0, 2 KOs) entered the bout as an undefeated rising prospect, known for her explosive hand speed and aggressive counterpunching. With a growing reputation on the regional circuit, Butler had everything to gain — and everything to lose.
Facing her was Ireland’s Cara McLaughlin (2-1-1), a rugged, come-forward fighter with a strong amateur background and relentless pace. McLaughlin, fighting for the first time on U.S. soil, aimed to derail the hype and establish herself as a true international threat.
With both fighters seeking to break into the welterweight rankings, this clash was seen as a critical early test — and it didn’t disappoint.
Round-by-Round Highlights
Round 1:
Butler opened fast, snapping McLaughlin’s head back with a quick jab and straight right. McLaughlin pushed forward, but Butler’s footwork and angles kept her in control.
Round 2:
McLaughlin made it a brawl, closing the distance and working the body in the clinch. Butler countered with a sharp uppercut and moved out of danger.
Round 3:
Best round of the fight so far. McLaughlin landed a stiff left hook that caught Butler’s attention. Butler responded with a three-punch combination that brought the crowd to life.
Round 4:
Butler adjusted beautifully, using feints and head movement to keep McLaughlin off balance. A clean overhand right staggered McLaughlin near the bell.
Round 5:
McLaughlin showed her toughness, eating punches to land her own. She trapped Butler on the ropes briefly, but Butler spun out and ended the round with a solid flurry.
Round 6:
Both fighters dug deep. McLaughlin tried to bully her way in, but Butler’s accuracy and cleaner work sealed the final round in her favor.
Final Decision: Butler Passes the Test
After six hard-fought rounds, the judges awarded a unanimous decision to Shannel Butler, keeping her undefeated record intact.
Official Scorecards:
- 59–55
- 60–54
- 58–56
The judges rewarded Butler’s sharper combinations, ring control, and defensive discipline over McLaughlin’s volume and pressure.
Fighter Stats and Punch Breakdown
| Category | Shannel Butler | Cara McLaughlin |
|---|---|---|
| Total Punches Landed | 132 | 109 |
| Jabs Landed | 64 | 28 |
| Power Punches Landed | 68 | 81 |
| Accuracy | 34% | 25% |
| Knockdowns | 0 | 0 |
Butler’s higher accuracy and effective use of the jab were key. McLaughlin landed more power punches overall, but many were smothered or absorbed by Butler’s defense.
Post-Fight Interviews and Reactions
Shannel Butler (Post-fight):
“That was the toughest fight of my career. She kept coming. I had to dig deep and box smart. I respect Cara’s heart — but I showed I’m built for the top.”
Cara McLaughlin:
“I wanted to make it a war, and I think I did. She boxed well. I’ll learn from this and come back stronger. No regrets.”
Butler’s trainer noted, “This was exactly the kind of test she needed. It wasn’t just about skill — it was about poise, pressure, and proving she’s ready for the next level.”
What It Means for the Women’s Welterweight Division
With this victory, Shannel Butler moves to 4-0 and begins to enter serious conversations about regional title contention. Her speed, IQ, and ring composure are traits of a future contender. This win could open the door to a ranking opportunity or an 8-round co-main event later in the year.
For Cara McLaughlin, the loss was competitive and far from damaging. Her durability, toughness, and come-forward style earned her respect — and likely more international fight opportunities. She remains a live underdog in any fight she’s in.
Upcoming Fight Implications
Shannel Butler:
A potential bout against a top-30 opponent like Summer Lynn or Kali Reis’s former sparring partners could be next. With her style and growth, she may also be primed for a regional title by early 2026.
Cara McLaughlin:
A return to Europe to rebuild momentum or a rematch with a fellow fringe contender could be next. Her fan-friendly style ensures she’ll stay on promoters’ radars.
Final Thoughts
Shannel Butler vs Cara McLaughlin was a showcase of skill vs heart — and it delivered. Butler proved she can handle pressure and adjust mid-fight, while McLaughlin showed grit and tenacity in every round.
Women’s boxing continues to rise, and this bout proved why. Two hungry athletes, giving it everything in the ring — that’s what makes the sport thrive.
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