"The Canadian Kid" Retains I.B.F. World Title

Rama, ON - Steve "The Canadian Kid" Molitor of Mississauga successfully defended his world junior featherweight title Saturday night for the second time in front of a capacity crowd of 5,200 at the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre.

Molitor who improved to 25-0 (9 KOs) defeated challenger, Fashung 3K Battery, now 58-9-1 (35 KOs) of Thailand by scores of 119-110, 119-110 and 120-108.

Photo by Sonny Banerjee

Molitor used his superior skill, athleticism and length to get the upper hand against the game but ultimately outclassed Thai fighter for the majority of the rounds. Molitor was able to keep the shorter Thai fighter at a distance with his jab, speed and circling movement, while sporadically punishing him with heavy combinations to the head and body.

3K appeared discouraged early on as he was not able to close the distance, while Molitor moved in and out seemingly hitting the Thai fighter at will. It looked as if Molitor was on his way to getting a stoppage if not a knockout until the seventh round when 3K hit an off balance Molitor with a overhand left that threw the champion back into the ropes which kept him from falling.

3K temporarily retreated to a neutral corner, but then tried to quickly jump on the stunned Molitor when realizing that the referee had let the action continue. Molitor regained his bearings and survived the round without recieving any further harm. In the following rounds, a reinvigorated 3K continued to pressure Molitor, but was hit too easily and too often with clean power punches.

The fight culminated with an action packed 12th round that had the relatively benign boxing crowd loud and on its feet as Molitor tried to close the show by going for the knock out, while taking his share of punishment as a consequence.

Molitor is scheduled to fight again in January and April of 2008 at the same venue.

Phil Banerjee
Contributing Editor