Here's the summary for the event:
Steven Butler vs. Steve Rolls:
Butler by KO in the 1st round.
Osleys Iglesias vs. Marcelo Coceres:
Iglesias by KO in the 1st round.
Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse vs. Abril Argentina Vidal:
Lepage-Joanisse by split decision.
Luis Santana vs. Emiliano Martin Garcia:
Santana by TKO in the 2nd round.
Mehmet Unal vs. Facundo Nicolas Galovar:
Unal by unanimous decision.
Jhon Orobio vs. Cristian Rodrigo Gonzalez:
Orobio by TKO in the 2nd round.
Wilkens Mathieu vs. Patrik Fiala:
Mathieu by TKO in the 2nd round.
On February 23, the Colisée Desjardins in Victoriaville, Quebec, is set to become the epicenter of an electrifying boxing event, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Montreal’s Steven Butler and Toronto’s Steve Rolls. This event, a testament to the storied Quebec-Ontario rivalry, is not just another boxing bout; it's a showcase of Canadian talent at its finest, promising to captivate boxing enthusiasts across the nation and beyond.
The event, a collaborative effort between Eye of the Tiger, Tigres de Victoriaville, and DiBella Entertainment, is poised to make a significant impact. It will be broadcasted live on ESPN+, ensuring a wide audience for what is expected to be a memorable night of boxing. “We are thrilled to introduce Eye of the Tiger to Victoriaville with this standout event. Showcasing two Canadian boxers of international caliber, Steven Butler and Steve Rolls, guarantees an exceptional evening of boxing,” stated EOTTM president Camille Estephan.
Steven Butler, known as “Bang Bang,” comes into this fight with a renewed focus and vigor, thanks to changes in his training regime under the guidance of new trainer John Scully. His recent victory against Ivan Alvarez, where he secured a ninth-round stoppage, has set the tone for his ambition to reconquer the middleweight division. Currently ranked as Canada’s top middleweight, Butler understands the stakes. “To win against Rolls, I need to be at my absolute best. The adjustments in my training have already paid dividends, and this upcoming fight will be a testament to my growth as a fighter,” he confidently asserts.
Steve Rolls, hailing from Toronto, boasts an impressive resume, having faced formidable opponents such as Gennady Golovkin and Edgar Berlanga. Despite a setback in his last outing against Austin Williams, where he lost the IBF North American title, Rolls is determined to prove his mettle and maintain his status in the middleweight division. This upcoming bout against Butler is more than just a match; it’s a critical juncture in Rolls’ career, with high stakes and no room for defeat.
In the co-main event, Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse (6-1, 2 KOs) is set to vie for the vacant WBC heavyweight world title against Abril Argentina Vidal (10-1, 4 KOs). This championship bout will be a highlight of the evening at the Montreal Casino, sharing the spotlight with the main event featuring Steven Butler versus Steve Rolls. Fans in the United States can catch the action live on Punching Grace and ESPN+ starting at 7:00 PM.
Lepage-Joanisse marked her return to professional boxing on March 23, 2023, reigniting her pursuit of world championship glory after a setback in a previous title fight in Mexico. Her comeback trail has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing her dominance against Princess Hairston and scoring a knockout win over Valeria Segovia Alonzo in Mexico, followed by a decisive victory against Timea Nagy. A triumphant performance last September at a gala presented by EOTTM at the Casino Lac-Leamy Theatre has only intensified her ambition to secure the WBC title.
Her opponent, Argentinian boxer Vidal, brings a commendable record and an aggressive fighting style to the ring. Vidal, known as "Tina," has showcased her skill and resilience in a notable fight against Hannah Gabriels for the WBA world title in Costa Rica, enduring a grueling 10-round battle. With around sixty rounds of experience under her belt, Vidal's seasoned approach could pose a challenge to Lepage-Joanisse, who has competed in 26 rounds.
Fight card:
▪️Steven Butler vs. Steve Rolls, 10 rounds, middleweight
▪️Osleys Iglesias vs. Marcelo Coceres, 12 rounds, super middleweight
▪️Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse vs. Abril Argentina Vidal, 10 rounds, for vacant WBC women’s heavyweight title
▪️Luis Santana vs. Emiliano Martin Garcia, 8 rounds, lightweight
▪️Mehmet Unal vs. Facundo Galovar, 8 rounds, light heavyweight
▪️Jhon Orobio vs. Arturo Gonzalez, 6 rounds, lightweight
▪️Wilkens Mathieu vs. Patrik Fiala, 6 rounds, light heavyweight
