Patrice Volny made a triumphant return to the contender stage with a decisive ninth-round stoppage of Steven Butler. The all-Montreal showdown, held at the Montreal Casino, saw Volny dominate the latter half of the fight, ultimately leading to the referee stopping the bout at 2:40 of the ninth round.
Early Rounds: Butler’s Strong Start
Steven Butler came out strong, dictating the pace in the early rounds and showcasing his skills. Volny, however, remained composed, allowing Butler to take the lead while carefully studying his opponent's movements. Although Butler managed to gain an early advantage, Volny never fell far behind.
Mid-Fight Adjustments: The Turning Point
As the fight progressed, Volny began to adjust his strategy, finding success with his uppercut. This punch became a game-changer, repeatedly landing on Butler and causing significant damage. Volny's tactical shift marked a turning point in the fight, as he started to dominate and consistently hurt Butler.
The Final Rounds: Volny's Dominance
Entering the later rounds, the momentum was firmly with Volny. Butler's punches lost their power, while Volny's shots became increasingly effective. Frustration grew for Butler, who was warned for a borderline low blow at the end of the eighth round.
In the ninth round, Volny intensified his attack. He connected with a left hook followed by a powerful right uppercut, visibly stunning Butler. Despite Butler landing a few left hooks, they lacked impact. Volny continued his relentless assault, landing left hooks and overhand rights with ease. The continuous onslaught prompted the referee to step in and stop the fight, much to Butler's dismay.
Post-Fight Reaction
Butler, visibly frustrated, initially protested the stoppage and lightly shoved the referee before regaining his composure and pleading his case. However, the decision stood, marking another stoppage loss for Butler, who has now been stopped in all five of his defeats.
Volny’s Redemption
For Volny, this victory was significant. Since his technical decision loss to Esquiva Falcao in November 2022, Volny had been seeking a notable win to re-establish his status as a viable contender. His victory over Butler achieved this, showcasing his resilience and tactical prowess.
Looking Forward
With this impressive win, Volny has now secured five consecutive victories and solidified his position as a contender in the middleweight division. As the division looks for new stars, Volny's performance indicates that he could play a pivotal role in its future.
Broadcast
The bout was aired live on ESPN+ in the U.S., providing fans with an exciting and memorable clash between two of Montreal's best middleweights. Volny's victory not only revitalizes his career but also adds a notable chapter to his boxing journey.