Jason Booth is obsessed with his Canadian opponent ahead of his IBF world super-bantamweight title shot at the weekend (September 11).
The Nottingham stylist, who fights for a recognised world belt for the first time in his 14-year career in Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday, is a big betting underdog against skilled stylist Steve Molitor, but he's not without chance.
Ricky Burns' world title-winning effort on Saturday is an example Booth will look to follow - the underdog who puts in the performance of his life to outbox a feared operator.
However, Molitor's credentials are to be seriously respected.
A top-rated amateur, the 30-year-old champion's only defeat in 33 as a pro (12 inside) came against long-limbed puncher Celestino Caballero in a unification bout two years ago (stopped in four).
He's a former Commonwealth bantamweight boss who destroyed Jason's younger brother, former British champion Nicky, and also knocked out common foe Michael Hunter in five rounds four years ago (vacant IBF strap).
And it's the thought of his sibling's defeat that has got Booth, 35-5 (15), pumped for the biggest night of his life.
"It was really hard to see Nicky lose to Molitor all those years ago," said Booth of his brother's lopsided 12-round defeat to the skilled Canadian in 2002.
"I used to get wrapped up in Nicky's fights as if they were my own - as if i was taking the punches as well as him.
"At the time, most thought my brother would win, as he'd fought at a better level.
"Although he did well, Molitor was just that bit better in every single department and it was no shock to me what he's gone on to do.
"He's a credit to our sport."
Booth's battles outside the ring are well-known.
A recovering alcoholic, he's re-ignited a career that looked as though it had been extinguished with wins over decent domestic-level men like Matthew Marsh, Michael Hunter, Mark Moran and Sean Hughes.
But Jason knows Molitor is on another level.
"I've done some daft things in my life, but i can spot a good fighter and Molitor is better than anyone i've ever faced," continued the 32-year-old ex-British, Commonwealth and IBO champion.
"He's all i think about and i'm not going to let this one chance at being a world champion slip through my fingers."
The Nottingham stylist, who fights for a recognised world belt for the first time in his 14-year career in Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday, is a big betting underdog against skilled stylist Steve Molitor, but he's not without chance.
Ricky Burns' world title-winning effort on Saturday is an example Booth will look to follow - the underdog who puts in the performance of his life to outbox a feared operator.
However, Molitor's credentials are to be seriously respected.
A top-rated amateur, the 30-year-old champion's only defeat in 33 as a pro (12 inside) came against long-limbed puncher Celestino Caballero in a unification bout two years ago (stopped in four).
He's a former Commonwealth bantamweight boss who destroyed Jason's younger brother, former British champion Nicky, and also knocked out common foe Michael Hunter in five rounds four years ago (vacant IBF strap).
And it's the thought of his sibling's defeat that has got Booth, 35-5 (15), pumped for the biggest night of his life.
"It was really hard to see Nicky lose to Molitor all those years ago," said Booth of his brother's lopsided 12-round defeat to the skilled Canadian in 2002.
"I used to get wrapped up in Nicky's fights as if they were my own - as if i was taking the punches as well as him.
"At the time, most thought my brother would win, as he'd fought at a better level.
"Although he did well, Molitor was just that bit better in every single department and it was no shock to me what he's gone on to do.
"He's a credit to our sport."
Booth's battles outside the ring are well-known.
A recovering alcoholic, he's re-ignited a career that looked as though it had been extinguished with wins over decent domestic-level men like Matthew Marsh, Michael Hunter, Mark Moran and Sean Hughes.
But Jason knows Molitor is on another level.
"I've done some daft things in my life, but i can spot a good fighter and Molitor is better than anyone i've ever faced," continued the 32-year-old ex-British, Commonwealth and IBO champion.
"He's all i think about and i'm not going to let this one chance at being a world champion slip through my fingers."
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