This Butler Is Again in Full Service

Lionel Butler--the new Lionel Butler, as those close to the troubled heavyweight have labeled him--fights Bomani Parker in the 10-round main event of a six-fight boxing card tonight at the Reseda Country Club.

Perhaps it’s only fitting that Butler’s bout highlights the return of monthly boxing to the Country Club, home to a handful of up-and-coming fighters during the 1980s, before closing its doors to boxing in 1993.

The Country Club, which recently underwent extensive remodeling, is said to be in better shape than ever.

So too, it seems, is Butler.

Butler, 29, whose punching power and hard-charging style has evoked comparisons to Mike Tyson, is 24-12-1, ranked sixth by the World Boxing Federation and seemingly back on track toward challenging for a world title after being derailed by years of drug abuse and lack of self-discipline.

Butler’s shortcomings short-circuited his quest for a world-title fight. Two years ago, Butler was the World Boxing Council’s No. 1-ranked contender, thanks to a string of 16 consecutive knockouts, including early round victories over formidable foes Tony Tubbs and James (Bonecrusher) Smith.

In May 1995, an out-of-shape Butler was stopped in five rounds by Lennox Lewis in Sacramento. Instead of rebounding and resuming his drive for a title, Butler wandered from the gym and drifted into a pattern of self-indulgence and substance abuse.

In April, shortly after being stopped in the eighth round by Chris Byrd in Auburn Hills, Mich., Butler was arrested on a marijuana-possession charge and spent five weeks in jail.

“He is, probably, not the heavyweight champion of the world right now because of drugs,” said Mansfield Collins, a Southern California attorney and Butler’s co-manager since July. “The new Lionel Butler, you’re not going to see him come into the ring overweight. He’s the best of Mike Tyson and the best of Joe Frazier--when he’s serious and committed.”

Butler began his latest comeback by recording a first-round knockout of Salvador Maciel last month at the Olympic Auditorium.

“I know a lot of people have given up on me,” Butler said. “Sometimes that hurts, but I’m so used to it now, it doesn’t bother me. What keeps me strong is, I haven’t given up on myself.”

Butler, who lives in Los Angeles, has slimmed to 239 pounds after ballooning to 265 last spring. No longer does he skip workouts or stuff himself with junk food. And he says he has been drug-free for 4 1/2 months while undergoing drug rehabilitation on an outpatient basis.

With a victory over Parker (14-3-1; eight knockouts), Butler probably will fight for the lightly regarded WBF title in January.

More important, Butler says, he finally has achieved peace of mind since being introduced to the Muslim faith by members of his new management team.

Butler’s faith and disciplined training habits are new to him. But he is happy with the results.

“It feels like a breath of fresh air and I’m learning more all the time about the Muslim beliefs,” Butler said. “I’ve been through a lot of terrible things with the drug situation. It took me awhile to wake up and realize what was happening.

“I’m in a totally different environment now. There are people behind me now who are not just concerned about my career, they’re concerned about me.”

Butler’s life took a turn for the better when he met Collins, who, along with two partners, also manages heavyweight Dave Dixon.

Collins, ever watchful for new talent, initially was skeptical after being introduced to Butler by promoter Peter Broudy.

“I kept hearing negative things--that it was impossible to expect good things of Lionel, that his problems outside the ring were too big to handle,” Collins said. “But when I met him, I said, ‘This guy is just a likable guy.’ I’m kind of old-fashioned, and I believe in helping someone if I can. I took it as a challenge.”

Butler’s reputation is one of a diamond in the rough. But he has drifted from manager to manager, and has been handled by more trainers than he can recall.

A native of New Orleans, Butler turned to boxing at age 23 after serving five years in a Louisiana penitentiary for armed robbery. Despite having never competed as an amateur, he displayed surprising talent.

He lost 10 of his first 16 fights, primarily because he was matched against far more experienced and polished foes. Matched against Riddick Bowe in only his second bout, Butler was knocked out in the second round.

In 1991, Butler signed with promoter Dan Goossen and, under the tutelage of trainer Joe Goossen, started his string of knockouts.

But Butler’s personal problems hindered his progress. He severed ties with the Goossens in 1994 after a three-round knockout of Eric Curry in Auburn Hills. Butler’s victory subsequently was ruled a no-contest because after the fight he tested positive for an illegal substance.

“You could see what was happening,” Dan Goossen said. “He was virtually not training. It’s a sad story. Sometimes you get on the wrong road in life.

“I always liked Lionel. I didn’t want to take him on because of his record (6-10), but Joe was impressed with him and he twisted my arm. Then I thought he was tremendous. Believe me, I never wanted him to leave.”

Butler says he is back in the fight game to stay.

“I’m not going to limit my ability anymore,” Butler said. “I’m going to be champion of the world. Just wait and see.”

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Fight Night

Here is tonight’s boxing card for the Reseda Country Club:

Lionel Butler vs. Bomani Parker, 10 rounds, heavyweights

Jeremy Williams vs. Wimpy Halstead, 10 rounds, heavyweights

Josh Dempsey vs. TBA, six rounds, heavyweights

Lance Whitaker vs. Dion Burgess, four rounds, heavyweights

Chuck Goossen vs. O’Neal Reid, four rounds, junior welterweights

Robert Galstyan vs. Mervin Penniston, four rounds, super middleweights

First fight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $75. Ticket information: 818-904-1320 or 213-763-0745.