Ahead of all-Canada clash, Steve Rolls warns Steven Butler: "I don't back down from a challenge"

Steven Butler vs Steve Rolls final press conference quotes

On March 5, the final press conference set the stage for Thursday's gala at the iconic Casino de Montréal, featuring an electrifying showdown between Montreal's own Steven Butler (33-4-1, 27 KOs) and Toronto's Steve Rolls (22-3, 12 KOs).

Adding to the excitement, reigning IBO super-middleweight world champion Osleys Iglesias (9-0, 8 KOs) will make his Quebec debut, after signing with Eye of the Tiger in November 2023, clashing with the seasoned Marcelo Coceres (32-6-1, 18 KOs).

Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (6-1, 2 KOs) will also be stepping back into the world championship arena, vying for the vacant WBC heavyweight title against the formidable Abril Argentina Vidal (10-1, 4 KOs), both determined to claim the prestigious belt in la belle province.

The gala is sold out, but will be broadcast live from 7pm (local time) on TVA Sports, ESPN+ and Punching Grace.

Steven Butler: "My path is far from over, I continue to follow my destiny"

Steve Rolls: "This is who I am, I don't back down from a challenge"

Marcelo Coceres: "He's a great rival, but he has little experience, for me it's just another war"

Osleys Iglesias: "I may not have much experience in the pros, but I have a huge amateur background and I'm ready for war"

Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse: "I hope Abril is ready because there's one who's going to pay for it (the wait) on Thursday night because the belt will stay in Quebec"

Abril Vidal: "Experience is a clear advantage for me. I've fought in the world championship and I'm coming here to take the belt"

 

Butler-Rolls

Butler (33-4-1, 27 KOs), a 10-year pro, challenged Ryota Murata for the WBA middleweight world title in December 2019. Despite a setback in his return fight against Jose de Jesus Macias in 2021, he rallied with a four-fight win streak, including a second-round TKO over Mark DeLuca.

The 28-year-old suffered a stoppage loss in a bid for the WBO strap against Janibek Alimkhanuly last May. He is coming off a ninth-round TKO against Mexican veteran Ivan Alvarez in November.

Rolls (22-3, 12 KOs) gave stiff tests to unbeaten talents Edgar Berlanga and Austin Williams after losing his ‘0’ against former division kingpin Gennadiy Golovkin in June 2019. 

 

Running Order

Steven Butler (33-4-1, 27 KOs) vs Steve Rolls (22-3, 12 KOs)

Osleys Iglesias (9-0, 8 KOs) vs Marcelo Coceres (32-6-1, 18 KOs)

Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (6-1, 2 KOs) vs Abril Vidal (10-1, 4 KOs)

Arthur Biyarslanov (13-0, 11 KOs) vs Cristian Palma (33-13-2, 7 KOs)

Luis Santana (10-0, 4 KOs) vs Emiliano Martin Garcia (19-9-1, 13 KOs)

Mehmet Unal (8-0, 7 KOs) vs Facundo Galovar (15-10-2, 9 KOs)

Jhon Orobio (6-0, 6 KOs) vs Cristian Rodrigo Gonzalez (12-19-1, 6 KOs)

Wilkens Mathieu (7-0, 4 KOs) vs Patrik Fiala (8-4-2, 5 KOs)

Photo credit: Vincent Éthier / Eye of the Tiger