Patrice Volny left a fonder memory than from his previous step up in competition. The 34-year-old middleweight returned to the contender stage after a ninth-round stoppage of Steven Butler. The all-Montreal clash saw Volny surge ahead and consistently hurt the former title challenger.
Referee Alain Villeneuve did not like Butler’s body language and stopped the bout at 2:40 of round nine Thursday evening from Montreal Casino in Montreal, Canada. An immediate in-ring protest was staged by Butler, who lightly shoved the referee before coming to his senses. He draped his arms over Villenueve’s shoulders to plead his case, though to no avail.
Butler actually jumped out to a solid start. Volny never fell far behind, but spent the early rounds allowing Butler to dictate the pace. A mid-fight adjustment saw Volny (19-1, 13 knockouts) find a home for his uppercut.
The weapon proved to be a game changer, as Butler (34-5-1, 28 KOs) failed to defend against the weapon. Momentum was with Volny as the fight headed into the later rounds. Butler’s power lacked snap, while Volny visibly hurt the 28-year-old middleweight on numerous occasions.
Frustration clearly set in with Butler, who was lectured for a borderline intentional low blow at the end of the eighth. Iglesias fully recovered and resumed control in the ninth round. Butler was able to land a couple of left hooks, though arm punches which lacked any significant impact.
Volny connected with a left hook and then a head-rattling ri.
