Big-hitting middleweight Steven Butler is on his way back.
The 27-year-old Montreal-born fighter lost back-to-back fights against Ryota Murata and then Jose De Jesus Macias. There was no shame in losing to Murata, but he was upset at his return. He led to great changes throughout his team and his life.
After rededicating himself, Butler has won two fights, most recently reclaiming the vacant NABF 160-pound title in a polished performance against Brandon Brewer (UD 12) in June.
He will make a quick comeback when he defends his title for the first time against Mark DeLuca at Casino de Montreal, Montreal on Friday.
“He’s a good opponent, he’s an aggressive southpaw fighter,” Butler (30-3-1, 25 KOs) told The Ring. “I came back with my first coach, Renald Boisvert, and now we also have my dad, Clint, I think I have a great team. We made some good adjustments.
“I am excited and the best is yet to come. I practice my defense, my attack, my volume, it’s a good balance. I am 27 years old, I am more mature and intelligent.
“We are on our way back for a world title shot. I am very focused on this fight because anything can happen in boxing. I know, I had bad luck in Mexico [when I was stopped by Jose De Jesus Macias in five-rounds.] I recovered strongly. I’m excited for the fight, I know he’s going to come to win. I want to get the victory clearly and defend my title. Don’t miss the fight, it’s going to be exciting.”
Butler feels that Brewer’s win was a good building block to restart and move on with his career.
“My last performance was solid,” he said. “Brandon Brewer has all my respect, he took my best shot, he’s got a chin, he’s got a heart, but I didn’t lose any rounds. It was a good performance for my resume. I learned that I can hit someone and not get the knockout. I was still motivated and kept trying. At the end of the day, I got the win and that’s the most important thing.”
After the victory, Butler took a well-deserved break with his family to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
“I went to Playa Del Carmel, Mexico with my two children and my wife,” he said. “My cousin lives there, he came to the hotel and we enjoyed some beautiful days with my family. When you’re in training camp, you spend more time in the gym than you do with your family. I took a few moments with my family.”
He’s focused on DeLuca now and knows he can’t get ahead of himself and aim for other world title fights if he doesn’t take care of business.
“I am very focused on this fight,” he explained. “I have a great rival who is going to come here to win. I can’t think of what’s next. I have no plans after this fight. I’m hungry and I’m excited. I want to get the victory.
“Take every fight as a step. I can’t say I want a world title after this. I fight this fight like it’s a world title because I know every fight will bring me closer to a world title fight. I don’t want to fight just for a world title, I want to win [one.]”
DeLuca (28-3, 16 KOs) won his first 21 fights, mostly on the East Coast before losing his undefeated record to Walter Wright (SD 12). The Massachusetts native beat Wright (UD 10) in a rematch and also took Brandon Brewers’ undefeated record by way of a 10-round unanimous decision. DeLuca traveled to England and was stopped by Kell Brook (KO 7). The 34-year-old southpaw bounced back with four wins before losing to Edward Ulloa Diaz (UD 8) in April.
Makhmudov-Takam, in addition to the undercard fights, will be shown on ESPN+. The broadcast begins at 7 pm ET/ 4 pm PT.
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at [email protected].uk and you can follow it on
[email protected]
