Photo: Vincent Ethier / EOTTM – Two old friends will meet again on March 14…
I believe it was in 2013 when Boxe-Québec entrusted me with the task of leading a training camp for the Quebec junior team. Among this group of young boxers were Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler.
Throughout the camp, I made sure to provide the same training to both 17-year-old boxers. Out of professionalism, it was important for me to ensure there was no favoritism…
For the purpose of this article, I’ll try to maintain the same objective. But rest assured, that won’t be the case on March 14th, as I’ll be in Steven Butler’s corner.
You’ll understand that I won’t be revealing any game plans or tactics for this fight. Instead, my focus will strictly be on the technical aspects of both boxers. But first, I want to discuss the impact this fight should have on the fans.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler
Local Warriors Face Off
What fans love most about boxing are certainly the matchups between two local fighters in the final bout. Nothing quite stirs emotions and nostalgia like this type of confrontation. In moments like these, it feels as though boxing can finally reunite with all its fans, reigniting the flame that the lack of big local fights had extinguished for many of them.
In fact, one might wonder why the interest in boxing is so irregular and cyclical. If I had to answer that question, I’d propose that the absence or insufficiency of significant local fights coincides with the lulls in the sport’s popularity.
But one thing is for sure, there’s a buzz in the air right now! Local boxing has something magical about it! It’s as though, all of a sudden, a wake-up call has been sounded for all the fans. Already, they’re gearing up, ready to dive deeper into the controversy they want to support—and even grow.
If we can say with certainty that emotions will be at their peak during this fight, it’s also because the stakes involve a characteristic particularly appreciated by boxing fans: stylistic duels that lead to spectacular clashes.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Camille Estephan, Steven Butler, Erik Bazinyan and Antonin Décarie, back in 2022
Technician vs. Puncher
As amateurs, Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler didn’t differ much in their fighting styles. Even though Erik initially had a tendency to bounce from foot to foot (a very popular style in Europe), he quickly adapted to the footwork more commonly appreciated in Quebec.
At the amateur level, when Erik and Steven sparred, their styles seemed quite similar. But gradually, it was as though each fighter’s personality started to shine through, confirmed by increasingly noticeable signs.
Like Steven Butler, many punchers tend to be impatient. They often rush things. On the other hand, most technicians are particularly patient in the ring. Like Bazinyan, they prefer to wait for the right round to turn up the heat.
Photo: Vincent Ethier – Steven Butler against Steve Rolls
Sticking with personality, the puncher must avoid falling into the old trap that experienced trainers call the “puncher’s disease.” This happens when a boxer begins to believe that the only way to win is by relying solely on their knockout power. In that case, they risk focusing all their training on that aspect, neglecting other equally important facets of the sport.
As for the technician, changes in their personality may have led them to lose some of their aggression. This fighter will need to compensate by having an excellent defense. The danger here is that they might concentrate almost exclusively on technical elements in training, neglecting the explosive power and drive that comes with it.
But ultimately, is this categorization of styles truly reliable and effective? A trainer would be very unwise to rely on it blindly.
Photo: Mikey Williams – Erik Bazinyan against Jaime Munguia
A Broader Approach
These days, trainers don’t insist as much on fighters sticking to a single style. Times are changing. A boxer today, starting with a dominant style, incorporates elements from other styles to make adjustments.
With this perspective, a boxer can surprise their opponent by making a significant change to their usual style. When evaluating an opponent, a savvy trainer always keeps this in mind. In the fight we’re discussing, some of these adjustments might blur the predictions of experts regarding the pace and outcome of the fight.
Don’t Count on Friendship
Erik Bazinyan and Steven Butler have developed a friendship and cooperation over the years. But you need to have seen them spar to know that they’re not friends when it’s time to put on the gloves.
I must admit, their sparring sessions are among the most brutal I’ve ever witnessed.
Despite their stylistic differences, they share a skill that’s not found in many boxers. In short, both of them are excellent finishers.
And that will undoubtedly add to the emotional charge that this fight will generate.
Photo: Virginie Assaly – Steven Butler… and Rénald Boisvert!
