Boxing Result

In a thrilling all-Canadian middleweight clash at the Montreal Casino, Patrice Volny emerged victorious over Steven Butler, securing a ninth-round stoppage that left fans and pundits debating the timing and validity of the referee's decision.

The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, as the loyal fanbases of both fighters created a unique and charged environment. Early on, Butler seemed to have the upper hand, landing looping right hands around Volny's guard, while the 34-year-old Volny appeared too comfortable allowing his opponent to punch.

However, the tide began to turn when Volny's trainer, "Iceman" John Scully, reassured Butler between rounds that he could maintain his pace throughout the fight. This prediction proved inaccurate, as Volny came out in the subsequent round with a vengeance, rocking Butler with a vicious right uppercut in close quarters. As the bell sounded, Volny landed another devastating shot that visibly damaged Butler's face, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in momentum.

From then on, Volny found his rhythm, while Butler struggled to adjust and replicate his early success. Volny's punches began to land cleanly, and Butler's shots lost their trademark impact. The 28-year-old, known for his volume and fierce power, which earned him the nickname "Bang Bang," couldn't find an answer to Volny's onslaught.

The eighth round ended sourly, with Butler delivering a low blow that went unpunished. In the ninth, Volny's dominance continued as his straight punches and uppercuts found their mark, leaving Butler dazed and unable to respond effectively.

Referee Alain Villeneuve controversially stopped the contest at 2:40 of the ninth round after witnessing Volny's series of unanswered punches. Although Butler blocked Volny's final shot, his lack of response during the flurry prompted the referee to intervene.

The stoppage ignited an immediate debate among fans and experts, with some arguing that Butler should have been allowed to continue. In contrast, others believed that Villeneuve's decision was justified given Butler's visible distress and inability to mount a meaningful counter-attack.

For Volny, the victory extended his winning streak to three fights following his first career loss to Esquiva Falcao in 2021. The win also served as a redemptive moment for the Montreal native, who had faltered in his first step up to elite-level competition.

However, Butler suffered his fifth professional defeat, all of which were stoppages. This latest setback follows his loss to Janibek Alimkhanuly last May, in which he was knocked out in the second round.

As the dust settles on this controversial and entertaining clash, boxing fans are left to ponder the implications for both fighters. Volny's stock is undoubtedly on the rise, as he has proven to be a legitimate contender in the middleweight division. Butler, meanwhile, will need to regroup and reassess his approach if he hopes to regain his footing among the elite at 160 pounds.