{{Short description|American heavyweight boxer (1979–2024)|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}} {{Infobox boxer |name= Alonzo Butler |image= <!-- only free-content images are allowed for depicting living people - see WP:NONFREE --> |imagesize= |realname= Alonzo Butler |nickname= Big Zo |height= 6 ft 3 in |weight=250-245 lbs |birth_date= {{Birth date|1979|10|30}} |birth_place= Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S. |death_date= {{Death date and age|2024|10|28|1979|10|30}} |death_place= Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. |style= Orthodox |total= 40 <ref name="boxrec.com">{{cite web|url=http://boxrec.com/boxer/27712|title=BoxRec: Alonzo Butler|website=boxrec.com}}</ref> |wins= 34 |KO= 25 |losses= 3 |draws= 2 |no contests= 1 |stance=|weight_class=Heavyweight}}
'''Alonzo Butler''' (October 30, 1979 – October 28, 2024) was an American heavyweight boxer. At the height of his career, Butler went unbeaten for 26 bouts and would finish his career with 34 wins. He would later become the sparring partner of world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, preparing him for his world championship bouts.
== Background == Butler was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he described growing up in the "projects". He later moved to Knoxville, where he worked at the Budweiser factory until 4 a.m. stacking beer to earn enough to support his boxing training.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2007-02-13 |title=Tessitore: Butler on the rise as U.S. heavyweight hopeful |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=tessitore_joe&id=2757264 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
Butler committed to play football at Middle Tennessee State University. He later chose a boxing career over football.
In 2006, he signed with Art Pelullo to a promotional contract. At the time, he was managed and trained by Ace Miller.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Release |first=Press |date=2006-05-31 |title=Banner Signs Alonzo Butler |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/banner-signs-alonzo-butler--4270 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=BoxingScene.com |language=en-us}}</ref> After a string of undefeated bouts, he was named the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Professional Athlete of the year in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Mike |title=Alonzo Butler, former professional boxer, dies at age 44 |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/2024/10/29/alonzo-butler-death-obit-boxer-knoxville/75913987007/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=Knoxville News Sentinel |language=en-US}}</ref> The winning streak made waves in the boxing world at the time, with many speculating that Butler could be the sport's next star.<ref name=":0" />
In May 2007, Butler defeated Ray West with a knockout in the first round.<ref>https://boxrec.com/en/event/525563/1193093</ref>
In 2008, an unbeaten Butler was matched with Friday Ahunanya for a bout in Las Vegas. At the time, his record was 26–0–1.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-06-08 |title=Heavyweights Alonzo Butler And Horace Ray Grant In Action On June Card In Las Vegas • East Side Boxing • News Archives |url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/119557 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.boxing247.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Prior to the match, he had taken nearly a year off of boxing to heal from a detached retina suffered in training.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Butler undergoes surgery to repair detached retina |url=https://archive.knoxnews.com/sports/butler-undergoes-surgery-to-repair-detached-retina-ep-412267402-360047711.html/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.knoxnews.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-12-06 |title=DeLeon finishing busy 2007 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/news/deleon-finishing-busy-2007-053900460--box.html |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US}}</ref> Ahunanya took advantage, pummeling Butler in his left eye until it was swollen shut.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-06-22 |title=Bad Night For Guys Named Butler - As Raphael And Alonzo Are Beaten By Eddie Chambers And Friday Ahunanya, Respectively • East Side Boxing • News Archives |url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/119758 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.boxing247.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Butler lost the match after ten rounds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-07-03 |title=Heavyweight Ahunanya in dire need of victory |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/boxing/heavyweight-ahunanya-in-dire-need-of-victory/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rold |first=Cliff |date=2008-06-20 |title=Good Friday: Heavyweight Ahunanya Upsets Alonzo Butler |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/good-friday-heavyweight-ahunanya-upsets-alonzo-butler--14570 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=BoxingScene.com |language=en-us}}</ref>
Butler returned to boxing over a year later, but he would not be able to match his earlier record, after a disappointing loss to Travis Walker by majority decision in 2011 for the WBA-NABA heavyweight title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ALONZO BUTLER: "IF I HIT ARREOLA ON THE CHIN, I CAN DEFINITELY PUT HIM OUT"{{!}}{{!}} FIGHTHYPE.COM |url=http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content11468.html |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=www.fighthype.com}}</ref> Butler knocked Walker down in the first round of the fight but lost on points.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burton |first=Ryan |date=2011-10-28 |title=Alonzo Butler Talks Chris Arreola, Seth Mitchell and More |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/alonzo-butler-talks-chris-arreola-seth-mitchell-more--45433 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=BoxingScene.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-05-17 |title=Travis Walker Aims To Build On Points Victory Over Alonzo Butler • East Side Boxing • News Archives |url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/133632 |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=www.boxing247.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Butler's next fight, a planned 2011 bout in Mexico to Chris Arreola<ref>{{Cite web |last=Science |first=The Sweet |date=2011-10-04 |title=Chris Arreola Meets Alonzo Butler on Nov. 5 |url=https://tss.ib.tv/boxing/boxing-articles-and-news-videos-results-rankings-and-history/13371-chris-arreola-meets-alonzo-butler-on-nov-5 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=The Sweet Science |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tutor |first=Goossen |date=2011-10-04 |title=Arreola Talks Butler Defense, John Molina on The Card |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/arreola-talks-butler-defense-john-molina-on-card--44568 |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=BoxingScene.com |language=en-us}}</ref> went forward with fighter Raphael Butler instead.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nagesh |first=Gautham |date=2011-11-05 |title=Chris Arreola Pounds Raphael Butler in Leon, Mexico |url=https://iframe.boxingscene.com/chris-arreola-pounds-raphael-butler-leon-mexico--45735 |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=BoxingScene.com |language=en-us}}</ref> Butler had one fight outside the United States, when he unsuccessfully faced Brice Ritani Coe in New Zealand in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-21 |title=Boxing: Ritani-Coe eager for action |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/boxing/boxing-ritani-coe-eager-for-action/BHZUTHO6DOENSUEJFZRIK5GUIU/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref>
Butler was the long-time sparring partner for eventual World boxing heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, helping the boxer prepare for the Olympic Games and for his WBC heavyweight bouts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Horan |first=Matt |date=November 3, 2017 |title=Wilder vs Stiverne II: Being Deontay Wilder's sparring partner |url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11111674/wilder-vs-stiverne-ii-being-deontay-wilders-sparring-partner |work=Sky Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gibbs |first=Dan |date=2017-11-04 |title=Wilder vs Stiverne: Wilder's sparring partner predicts fight |url=https://www.express.co.uk/sport/boxing/875428/Wilder-vs-Stiverne-Boxing-New-York |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=Express.co.uk |language=en}}</ref> Wilder described Butler as the toughest sparring partner he was ever matched against, describing him:<blockquote>"'Big Zo' was the fastest heavyweight I've ever seen, with his size, he was a solid 250 lbs, but he could move. If he had better management and handling he could've been heavyweight champion of the world...Alonzo was the man, he was the first guy that I ever felt a body shot from and I learned a lot from him during that time."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Temple |first=Cameron |date=2023-01-25 |title=Deontay Wilder reveals his hardest spar and it wasn't against Klitschko or Haye |url=https://talksport.com/boxing/1312453/deontay-wilder-sparring-wladimir-klitschko-david-haye/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=talkSPORT |language=en-gb}}</ref></blockquote>In 2016, Butler fought Roberto White to a win in his hometown of Knoxville. Later that year, he would fight Fred Latham to a close draw by split decision for the USA Tennessee State Heavyweight finals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-12-03 |title=Alonzo Butler vs Fred Latham – UBF Inter-Continental Championship Bout |url=https://www.ubfboxing.com/alonzo-butler-vs-fred-latham-ubf-inter-continental-championship-bout/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Universal Boxing Federation |language=en-US}}</ref> Butler fought at a heavy weight of 312 lbs.<ref>https://boxrec.com/wiki/index.php/Alonzo_Butler_vs_Fred_Latham</ref> In 2020, he fought twice, winning both bouts to Jesus Martinez Torres (at {{convert|295.5|lb|kg|abbr=on}})<ref>{{Cite web |last=Killeen |first=Austin |date=2020-02-03 |title=It Was a Sad Week for New Mexico Boxing |url=https://killeenskorner.com/2020/02/it-was-a-sad-week-for-new-mexico-boxing/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Killeen's Korner |language=en-US}}</ref> and to Ron Guerrero respectively.<ref>https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/27712</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=karlfreitag |date=2020-01-15 |title=Boxing News: Alonzo Butler headlines March 7 in Knoxville » October 30, 2024 |url=https://fightnews.com/alonzo-butler-headlines-march-7-in-knoxville/66488 |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=fightnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2021, he looked to make his professional comeback, enlisting promoter Don King in an effort to return to the ring, despite his age.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Local promoter helps boxer make comeback |url=https://richmondfreepress.com/news/2021/mar/11/local-promoter-helps-boxer-make-comeback/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=richmondfreepress.com}}</ref> Butler fought his last bout against Brandon Spencer in Myrtle Beach on August 28, 2021. He won by unanimous decision after eight rounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayhem in Myrtle Beach IV {{!}} Boxing Event |url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/82156-mayhem-in-myrtle-beach-iv |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=Tapology |language=en}}</ref>
He died in Knoxville, Tennessee, on October 28, 2024, 2 days before his 45th birthday.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Mike |title=Alonzo Butler, former professional boxer, dies at age 44 |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/2024/10/29/alonzo-butler-death-obit-boxer-knoxville/75913987007/ |access-date=30 October 2024 |website=www.knoxnews.com}}</ref>
==Professional record== {{Update|part=Professional record table|date=October 2024}}{{s-start}} |- |align="center" colspan=8|'''40 fights''', '''34 wins''' (25 knockouts), '''3 losses''' (0 knockouts), '''2 draws''', '''1 no contest''' |- |align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Result |align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Record |align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Opponent |align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Type |align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Round, time |align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Date |align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Location |align=center style="border-style: none none solid solid; background: #e3e3e3"|Notes |- align=center |{{yes2}}Win |31-3-1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Roberto White |{{small|KO}} |{{small|1 (4), 1:00}} |{{small|2016-01-30}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Knoxville, Tennessee}} |align=left| |- align=center |{{yes2}}Win |30–3–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Marvin Hunt |{{small|TKO}} |{{small|1 (6), 0:54}} |{{small|2015-10-10}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Johnson City, Tennessee}} |align=left| |- align=center |{{no2}}Loss |29–3–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|AUS}} Brice Ritani Coe |{{small|SD}} |{{small|3}} |{{small|2014-06-04}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|NZ}} The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand}} |align=left| |- align=center |{{yes2}}Win |29–2–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Louis Monaco |{{small|KO}} |{{small|1 (6), 2:03}} |{{small|2013-12-14}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Mustang Fitness Oak Ridge, North Carolina}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{no2}}Loss |28–2–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Travis Walker |{{small|MD}} |{{small|10}} |{{small|2011-05-14}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} AmericasMart Bldg 3, Atlanta, Georgia}} |align=left|{{small|For vacant WBA-NABA USA Heavyweight title.}} |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |28–1–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Willie Perryman |{{small|TKO}} |{{small|2 (6), 1:22}} |{{small|2009-12-19}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Cotton Eyed Joe, Knoxville, Tennessee}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |27–1–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Douglas Robertson |{{small|TKO}} |{{small|1 (6), 1:39}} |{{small|2009-08-07}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} National Guard Armory, Columbia, Tennessee}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{no2}}Loss |26–1–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|NGA}} Friday Ahunanya |{{small|UD}} |{{small|10}} |{{small|2008-06-20}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |26–0–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Ralph West |{{small|TKO}} |{{small|1 (10), 2:19}} |{{small|2007-05-30}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights, Washington}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |25–0–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} James Walton |{{small|UD}} |{{small|10}} |{{small|2007-02-16}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Wynn Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada}} |align=left| |-align=center |style="background:#ddd;"|NC |24–0–1 (1) |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Troy Beets |{{small|ND}} |{{small|2 (10)}} |{{small|2007-01-15}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights, Washington}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |24–0–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Maurice Wheeler |{{small|UD}} |{{small|8}} |{{small|2006-08-09}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |23–0–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Travis Fulton |{{small|TKO}} |{{small|2 (8), 1:26}} |{{small|2006-05-31}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Northern Quest Casino, Airway Heights, Washington}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |22–0–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Zack Page |{{small|TKO}} |{{small|5 (8), 3:00}} |{{small|2006-04-29}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |21–0–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Terry Porter |{{small|KO}} |{{small|3 (6), 0:40}} |{{small|2006-02-17}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee}} |align=left| |-align=center |{{yes2}}Win |20–0–1 |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Cornelius Ellis |{{small|UD}} |{{small|6}} |{{small|2006-02-11}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Knoxville, Tennessee}} |align=left| |- align=center |{{yes2}}Win |19-0-1 |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Andrew Greeley |{{small|TKO}} |{{small|5}} |{{small|2005-10-15}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Isle of Capri Casino, Lula, Mississippi}} |align=left| |- align=center |{{yes2}}Win |18-0-1 |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Demetrice King |{{small|UD}} |{{small|4}} |{{small|2005-08-13}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Golden Glove Arena, Knoxville, Tennessee}} |align=left| |- align=center |{{yes2}}Win |17-0-1 |align=left|{{flagicon|USA}} Brandon Cabell |{{small|UD}} |{{small|4}} |{{small|2005-04-16}} |align=left|{{small|{{flagicon|USA}} Golden Glove Arena, Knoxville, Tennessee}} |align=left| {{s-end}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{IMDb name | 11286107}} * {{Boxrec|id=27712}} {{Authority control}}{{DEFAULTSORT:Butler, Alonzo}} Category:1979 births Category:2024 deaths Category:Boxers from Tennessee Category:Sportspeople from Chattanooga, Tennessee Category:Sportspeople from Knoxville, Tennessee Category:American male boxers Category:Heavyweight boxers