Super middleweight contenders Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler will finally settle their rivalry on November 13 at the Casino de Montréal in a clash that pits two Eye of the Tiger protégés against one another.
Bazinyan, ranked No. 14 by the WBC, returns after more than a year out due to an ankle injury. The Laval native last fought in September 2024, dropping a competitive 10-round decision to Jaime Munguia. Now back at full strength under trainer Samuel Décarie-Drolet, Bazinyan insists his comeback will mark the beginning of the best chapter of his career.
Butler, a two-time world middleweight title challenger, has rebuilt at 168 lbs during Bazinyan’s absence. After avenging a prior defeat to Jesus Macias with a four-round stoppage last year, the Montrealer enters the bout with two straight wins at super middleweight and plenty of confidence. “Since he pulled out twice, I’m already up 2-0,” Butler quipped. “But as they say, third time’s the charm — so I’ll come out the winner once and for all on November 13.”
Watch Butler vs. Alimkhanuly full fight: Watch
Promoter Camille Estephan praised the matchup, noting both men have plenty to prove. “Bazinyan is back at 100 per cent, but he has a point to prove after more than a year out. As for Butler, he’s shown his punching power is even more devastating at 168 lbs. I’m convinced they’ll both give it their all.”
Fight card:
▪️Steven Butler vs. Erik Bazinyan, 10 rounds, super middleweight
