Booth determined to take his chance
Nottingham veteran Jason Booth has secured a surprise world title shot against IBF super-bantamweight champion Steve Molitor.
Recovering alcoholic and former drug user Booth, 32, has been rewarded for an eight-fight winning run by securing a clash on home turf in England.
Booth (35-5, 15 KO wins) spent two years away from the ring between 2004 and 2006 but returned to win the British super-bantamweight title having previously held it at flyweight along with the Commonwealth belt.
He had been seemingly trailing world-ranked stablemate Rendall Munroe in the race for a world title chance at the weight but has now gazumped the European champion.
"The world title fight is such a bonus for me and now I want to win it so much," said Booth.
"I am so lucky to have the things I do in life now.
"I am happy with what I have achieved in boxing, but thanks to my trainer Tony Harris, manager Jimmy Gill and promoter Frank Maloney I have an opportunity to do better."
He added: "If I hadn't had boxing, I'd be dead; the drink would have beaten me.
"When I have to stop I'll be all right now. I've got my kids now, they're my focus. I think I've just grown up.
"Jimmy knows which opponents I can beat and Maloney's been a big help. He's always liked me and he's given me opportunities."
Date published :
09 Jun 2010 - 17:18:40
