Steve Molitor insists he will be in top form when he defends his IBF super-bantamweight title against Jason Booth on September 11.
Canadian knows he will need to be at his best against Briton
Steve Molitor insists he will be in top form when he defends his IBF super-bantamweight title against Jason Booth on September 11.
'The Canadian Kid' had to pull out of their proposed clash last month after suffering a stress-tracture of the shin, and the break has left him eager to return.
The 30-year-old was told to rest for a month but he revealed he was able to stay in reasonable shape for the fight at Rainton Meadows Arena.
"Without a doubt it's frustrating." explained Molitor (32-1).
"After I won the title on a Saturday (against Takalani Ndlovu) I was straight back in the gym on Tuesday and it's hard not being able to train 110 percent.
"But in other ways it has been a blessing in disguise, I'm now a 100 percent recovered after taking all of the time off that the doctors advised me to.
"I've stayed in good shape, riding the bike etc, but come September 11th I'll be coming to fight.
Defeat
For almost two years Molitor was unbeatable at the 8st 10lb limit, all five of his wins coming at the Casino Rama in Ontario before a crushing knockout defeat to Celestine Caballero ended his unbeaten run as a professional, as well as his reign as IBF champ.
Many ring writers believe the Canadian has not been the same since the fourth round stoppage, a claim that the fighter himself disputes.
"It's true I am a different fighter since that defeat, for the better," he countered. "In the Caballero fight up until the last 10 seconds, he didn't touch me all night.
"People think Jason Booth has had an up and down life style but when my book comes out, people will understand that wasn't the real Steve Molitor that night."
Molitor has all the respect in the world for Booth following the Nottingham boxer's well-publicised battle with drink and drugs, and knows he is a dangerous opponent with little to lose.
"He's a tough guy and a lot of people are saying this is going to be an easy fight for me but he's a veteran of the sport with nothing to lose but everything to gain.
"I know the lifestyle that he has lived, the whirlwind life he has had so I know he is going to bring everything in the fight and I know I'm going to have to be ready."
