Last November 13, Steven Butler delivered a fight in which he had to draw from his very last reserves to emerge victorious. It must be acknowledged that he was put to a severe test, as opponent Stephane Fondjo proved to be far tougher than anticipated.
This fight could have gone wrong. After shaking Fondjo a few times during the first three rounds, Steven began to slow down little by little, then drastically starting in the fifth round. It was only at the very end of the eighth that Bang Bang pulled himself together, which led him the following round to record a spectacular TKO.
HOW CAN WE EXPLAIN THIS SLOWDOWN BETWEEN THE FIFTH AND EIGHTH ROUNDS?
After the fight, we obtained some clarification from Steven on this question. His explanations were particularly interesting.
During this discussion, one of us pointed out to Steven that he had been using his jab less and less, contrary to what his corner was asking of him. In response, Steven indicated that Fondjo was managing to neutralize the jabs and counterattack.
Photo: Bernard Brault – Steven Butler vs Stephane Fondjo
I believe Steven was right to be wary of this old trap into which he has fallen several times. When applying a jab, he still sometimes, for lack of concentration, leans his head forward in such a way that he becomes an easy target. Thus, Steven did well to limit the quantity of his jabs in order to remain more focused on their quality.
But that’s not all! There is another, just as significant—if not more—element that emerged from Steven’s explanations.
A BODY SHOT FROM FONDJO AND FATIGUE FORCED HIM TO SLOW DOWN TO RECOVER
This is what would have led Steven to ease off during those few rounds. What is surprising is that he managed to ignore the corner’s directives urging him to pick up the pace. In the past, Steven would not have eased off. Exhausted or not, he would never have thought it wise to slow down.
Thus, by being passive for those few rounds, Steven was able to recover and bounce back at the end of the eighth round. In the ninth, one could feel that Bang Bang was back. He had regained the energy he needed to finish the round with power. Unfortunately for Fondjo, there was no way he could avoid the tornado that struck him that night.
Photo: Bernard Brault – Steven Butler vs Stephane Fondjo
HAS STEVEN BUTLER BECOME A MORE MATURE BOXER?
That’s what I believe. In the past, it was his heightened emotions that made him unable to follow his trainers’ instructions to the letter. I used to complain about it! Now, far from complaining, I congratulate him for not having followed the corner’s instructions fully.
Steven showed a “rational” side of his boxing that we had not—or had very rarely—seen before November 13, 2025. We can only hope that the rational and the emotional will continue to work well together in the future. One last clue makes me think that will be the case.
Photo: Bernard Brault – Steven Butler vs Stephane Fondjo
FOR A BOXER WHO IS LESS ENDURING THAN POWERFUL, ISN’T IT APPROPRIATE TO CONSERVE ENERGY HERE AND THERE DURING THE FIGHT IN ORDER TO EXPLODE AT THE END OF ROUNDS?
Steven Butler wouldn’t be the first boxer for whom such a strategy works well. And yes, there was Jean Pascal; but many others too. It’s a matter of ring intelligence, if not maturity.
In this fight against Fondjo, Steven had slowed down to the point that several of his fans had reason to be worried. But then in the eighth round, with twenty seconds remaining, he leapt at his opponent and landed a dozen punches without the latter being able to respond effectively.
Then in the ninth round, while the corner urged him to give everything, Steven instead began the round cautiously. Only one minute before the end did Bang Bang go on the attack. Like a firework, he unleashed punch after punch without stopping. And as expected, it was a devastating right hand that ultimately floored Fondjo.
Photo: Bernard Brault – Steven Butler vs Stephane Fondjo
I have long hoped for such a change in mentality from Steven. I believe he showed maturity by waiting for the right moment to give everything.
A BOXER DOESN’T HAVE TO FOLLOW HIS CORNER’S DIRECTIVES BLINDLY
During a fight, the action is constant. When something unexpected occurs in the middle of a round (an ineffective tactic, sudden fatigue, etc.), an experienced and mature boxer must react immediately. He cannot wait for the moment when the corner will be able to give him adjustments.
Moreover, certain aspects of the fight can only be perceived by the boxer himself. The corner cannot always see everything. Especially when it comes to sensations, a sufficiently seasoned boxer is normally the one best equipped to manage the action during the fight.
On the other hand, the boxer needs the “external eye” of his corner. No matter how skilled and determined he may be, a fighter cannot control everything. A balance must be found. I believe Steven Butler has reached the “maturity” that allows him to aim for such balance. In fact, perhaps it is at the age of 30 that one attains wisdom!
Photo: Bernard Brault – Steven Butler vs Stephane Fondjo
