Molitor eyes 2nd title
by Dave Spencer, FightNews Canada
2009-11-24
With three straight victories since losing his IBF championship belt in a unification bout against WBA champion Celestino Caballero, Steve Molitor feels he is once again primed to challenge for a world title is likely to do so early next year. “Without a doubt I’m ready, I was world champion and defended my title successfully five times, I’m ready to be back on top.”
Molitor, if all goes according to plan, is likely to meet Takalani Ndlovu early next year in a rematch of the very first Rumble at Rama and the ‘Canadian Kid’s’ very first title defense in 2007. It is expected that present champ Caballero who is looking towards a possible showdown with Juan Manuel Lopez or another big money bout and will relinquish the IBF version of the 122-pound title. “We’re pretty sure the title will be vacant,” said promoter Allan Tremblay who has managed to get Molitor ranked with all four sanctioning bodies but is clearly gunning for the IBF title and a home date for his former champion.
As a lead-in, it wasn’t the best of performances for Molitor who pressed the action in the 5th round and ended up on the canvas himself. “It was humiliating,” said Molitor of the sudden turn of events. “It was embarrassing.” But not much more than ego was bruised as a result in a round where Molitor was looking to finish things early.
“I was off balance and got caught,” said Molitor of the flash knockdown. “It was a little mishap, it was a knockdown though.”
Molitor towered over Saez who gained added life going into the last three rounds, trying to have lightening strike once again. The Mexican proved to be tough as nails down the stretch after spending the earlier rounds on his bicycle circling the ring. “The guy was tougher than I expected,” said Molitor after the fight. “He was awkward, he ran, then stopped and traded. My jab stopped him and my shots to the body worked, there just weren’t enough.”
The difference in power was evident starting in the fourth round when Saez stopped circling and started to trade. Things were quickly turning into a slugfest and favouring the Sarnia fighter who was willing to take one to land four. “I was forced to become the hunter.”
The knockdown changed the complexion of the fight but not the result as Molitor continued winning rounds until the end of the eight rounder, but not in the same domineering style seen earlier.” Molitor disagreed with the assessment feeling he dominated the same way, before and after the knockdown but admitting it wasn’t his best performance. “It wasn’t my best, but definitely not my worst. I did what I had to do though and go out and get the ‘W’.
If you wish to contact the author of this article, email Dave Spencer at FightNews Canada