Steven Butler is making his boxing comeback this Thursday after a significant loss to Patrice Volny. Acknowledging his past mistakes, he aims to adopt a more strategic approach against Fernando Varias, focusing on winning rather than seeking a knockout. Learning from his experiences, Butler has sought advice from mentors and plans to maintain patience in the ring, reflecting on how his best performances occur naturally. With a renewed mindset, he is determined to reclaim his success.
Steven Butler’s Comeback: Learning from Past Mistakes
After a challenging defeat five months ago, Steven Butler is set to step back into the ring this Thursday, determined to avoid repeating his previous errors. With a record of 34 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, including 28 knockouts, Butler faced a tough loss by referee stoppage in the ninth round against Patrice Volny on June 6. Acknowledging his responsibility for the defeat, he shared during a press conference at the Casino de Montreal, “Against Volny, I lost the fight. He was possibly more mentally prepared to win than I was.” Butler reflected on his mindset, stating, “I went in wanting to knock him out instead of focusing on winning the fight. The pressure I placed on myself led to a rookie mistake, despite my experience.”
Revisiting Past Challenges
Determined not to fall into the same trap, Butler recognizes a pattern in his approach. He drew parallels between his recent fight and his first career loss to Brandon Cook in 2017, where he felt compelled to go for a knockout instead of employing a strategic boxing style. “It’s a similar mistake to what I made against Cook, where I prioritized a knockout over boxing tactically,” he explained. In his bout with Volny, Butler admits he didn’t execute the fight plan necessary for victory. “I stood my ground and played into his game instead of sticking to my own. But that’s in the past, and I’m looking ahead.”
A New Strategy Against Fernando Varias
Butler is gearing up to face Argentine boxer Fernando Varias (12-2-3, 4 K.O.), who stepped in as a last-minute replacement due to the original opponent’s medical issue. The 29-year-old from Quebec insists his strategy has evolved for this fight. “I need to focus on winning rather than just entertaining the crowd because this isn’t wrestling. I will still be spectacular, but I won’t proclaim that I’m going for a knockout,” he said. “As with all my defeats, I come back stronger each time.”
Gaining Insight and Adapting
Butler has been proactive in seeking advice from key figures in his career. Conversations with Camille Estephan, president of Eye of the Tiger Management, and his friend Mathieu Germain have been particularly beneficial. “Mathieu pointed out how Gervonta Davis is patient yet spectacular when it matters. He doesn’t rush for a knockout but finds the right moment,” Butler noted. He aspires to embody that approach, focusing on winning rounds and maintaining his power throughout the fight, rather than exhausting himself early on. Looking back to his performance against Steve Rolls, he emphasized, “The knockout came naturally without forcing it, and I believe my best knockouts happen organically.”
With a refreshed mindset and lessons learned, Butler is ready to make a statement in the ring once again.