Photo — Vincent Ethier: Lou DiBella, talking to Camille Estephan right after the Mbilli-Góngora firework, on March 2023.
Steven Butler (33-4-1, 27 KOs) and Steve Rolls (22-3, 12 KOs) will face off in the ring at the Montreal Casino this Thursday. Meanwhile, near the ring, promoters Camille Estephan and Lou DiBella will be side by side for the third time in less than 12 months.
“The real fight happens in the ring because outside, we both just want the best for our boxers,” explains Eye of the Tiger president Camille Estephan, offering only kind words for his counterpart.
“This guy is passionate, but also a boxing encyclopedia. Just look at what he did with HBO and now as a promoter with his Broadway Boxing series; he’s not considered the King of New York for nothing.”
Hat Trick?
Leaving the “rivalry” aspect to their respective athletes, the two men understand well that in business, they are stronger together. So, they will soon be on their third collective work of 2023-2024. There was first the epic victory of Mbilli against Góngora on March 23, 2023, and Ramirez’s victory against Ziyatdinov last January. In a few days, it will be the Quebec-Ontario clash between Butler and Rolls.
“We are confident that it will continue, and Steven will do the job,” adds Estephan, preaching for his side like his New York counterpart.
“DBE will get its first win against Camille come March 7. Steve Rolls is a seasoned professional who has remained at or near the top of his division for years. He has consistently proven that he can compete against the very best on a world class level. Butler is a tough contender who has been tested against quality opposition, but he has not yet faced a fighter as crafty as Rolls,” comments the Brooklyn native and a Hall of Famer DiBella.
More to Come?
But no matter who wins on March 7 between Butler or Rolls, the result will clearly not affect the business relationship between the two boxing men.
“Camille and I work well together. He puts on very good fights and world class events, but most importantly, he’s smart, cares about boxing and does what is best for the sport. I consider him a great friend,” says DiBella, even revealing that another upcoming collaboration is already in the works.
No name has been told. The story doesn’t say neither if a real contract has been signed or if it’s just based on a handshake between two old friends. What we know is that, to reverse the tendency, a DBE card could soon host an EOTTM boxer…
As for when and where, our only clue for you is: kangaroo.
