Cinderella man: Jason Booth
Posted: 27 Aug 2010, 08:19
27.08.10
32-year old Nottingham man Jason '2 smooth' Booth faces a stiff challenge in the form of Canadian boxing sensation Steve Molitor in two weeks time.
But the popular super bantamweight has already fought the fight of his life outside the ropes, with alchoholism and views the IBF world title attempt as a dream opportunity, one he hadn't have imagined possible just a few short years ago.
"If I hadn't had boxing, I'd be dead, the drink would have beaten me. I've got my kids now, they're my focus and I think I've just grown up" said Booth candidly in a recent interview with BBC sport.
Those troubled times lurked around Booth's younger days, but the demons wouldn't fully take control until Booth lost the IBO version of the title to Ireland's Damaen Kelly back in December 2004.
Out in the boxing wilderness, without his title and show dates to focus on, Booth found his days becoming a blur of booze and depression.
"My day used to start with drinking cider from a plastic cup to stop the shakes. Then, if I couldn't find any booze, I would pick up cans from the gutter and drink the dregs." admitted Booth.
"At one point my pancreas was giving out and my liver count was off the graph. Two years ago a doctor told me it was stop boozing or die."
But the power of boxing promoter Frank Maloney, along with the love and care supplied by partner Sarita and long standing friend and trainer Tony Harris and not forgetting manager Jimmy Gill - saw Booth take to his bed and go through the tremors and cold sweats for several weeks until his dependancy had subsided enough for him to resume a normal existence.
As the fog cleared from Booth's life, he began a new approach. Beginning with tentative workouts to see what was left. To everyone's surprise, underneath the rust and inactivity, his boxing tools were in perfect order.
Following intensive training to regain his health and fitness, he was thrown a lifeline by Frank Maloney, to return and see what was left.
It was a decision that has now reaped dividends for the everyone, as Booth went from an undercard fight against Abdul Mghrbel at the Barnsley metrodome to a clutch of Commonwealth titles at Bantam and Super Bantamweight.
The move up in weight class has seen the 5'5" fighter, punch with greater authority, most notably against Michael Hunter who he picked apart and forced to retire at the start of the 5th round.
Slick IBF champion Molitor
Hunter, who is a common opponent of Molitor's too, had taken the IBF champion on in 2006 and was stopped in 5 rounds.
With what many consider a tall order in front of him, Booth is quietly confident that if he puts in his best effort in, that beating Molitor and taking his title is certainly within reach.
In the lead up to this interesting match-up, Booth has seemed remarkably calm and unfazed by the fight itself - and having been to hell and back in his private life, it can be understood why he is neither scared nor daunted by the task in hand.
For Booth is merely greatful of the spot he finds himself in. But greatful or not, that will not detract from his efforts when that first bell rings.
Booth is a very wily boxer, with experience and savvy. Despite not campaigning too often at world class, Booth has mixed it up in very decent, often avoided company and prevailed as victor. And come September the 11th, the Nottingham fighter will be looking to take the big prize.
"Jason had so many upsets, to put his life back together has been superb." said Maloney, who has stood by Booth amidst his problems and delivered him this title chance.
"Three-and-a-half years ago I thought we'd give him a couple of fights and see how it goes. To be truthful I didn't think he had it in him."
"But now on 11 September he will fight for the ultimate prize in boxing."
Tickets for the massive night of action are available from 0871 226 1508, 0191 564 0202 or www.frankmaloney.com. VIP Ringside are £95 with the rest a bargain £35. Get yours in advance for a show that looks certain to sell out.
32-year old Nottingham man Jason '2 smooth' Booth faces a stiff challenge in the form of Canadian boxing sensation Steve Molitor in two weeks time.
But the popular super bantamweight has already fought the fight of his life outside the ropes, with alchoholism and views the IBF world title attempt as a dream opportunity, one he hadn't have imagined possible just a few short years ago.
"If I hadn't had boxing, I'd be dead, the drink would have beaten me. I've got my kids now, they're my focus and I think I've just grown up" said Booth candidly in a recent interview with BBC sport.
Those troubled times lurked around Booth's younger days, but the demons wouldn't fully take control until Booth lost the IBO version of the title to Ireland's Damaen Kelly back in December 2004.
Out in the boxing wilderness, without his title and show dates to focus on, Booth found his days becoming a blur of booze and depression.
"My day used to start with drinking cider from a plastic cup to stop the shakes. Then, if I couldn't find any booze, I would pick up cans from the gutter and drink the dregs." admitted Booth.
"At one point my pancreas was giving out and my liver count was off the graph. Two years ago a doctor told me it was stop boozing or die."
But the power of boxing promoter Frank Maloney, along with the love and care supplied by partner Sarita and long standing friend and trainer Tony Harris and not forgetting manager Jimmy Gill - saw Booth take to his bed and go through the tremors and cold sweats for several weeks until his dependancy had subsided enough for him to resume a normal existence.
As the fog cleared from Booth's life, he began a new approach. Beginning with tentative workouts to see what was left. To everyone's surprise, underneath the rust and inactivity, his boxing tools were in perfect order.
Following intensive training to regain his health and fitness, he was thrown a lifeline by Frank Maloney, to return and see what was left.
It was a decision that has now reaped dividends for the everyone, as Booth went from an undercard fight against Abdul Mghrbel at the Barnsley metrodome to a clutch of Commonwealth titles at Bantam and Super Bantamweight.
The move up in weight class has seen the 5'5" fighter, punch with greater authority, most notably against Michael Hunter who he picked apart and forced to retire at the start of the 5th round.
Slick IBF champion Molitor
Hunter, who is a common opponent of Molitor's too, had taken the IBF champion on in 2006 and was stopped in 5 rounds.
With what many consider a tall order in front of him, Booth is quietly confident that if he puts in his best effort in, that beating Molitor and taking his title is certainly within reach.
In the lead up to this interesting match-up, Booth has seemed remarkably calm and unfazed by the fight itself - and having been to hell and back in his private life, it can be understood why he is neither scared nor daunted by the task in hand.
For Booth is merely greatful of the spot he finds himself in. But greatful or not, that will not detract from his efforts when that first bell rings.
Booth is a very wily boxer, with experience and savvy. Despite not campaigning too often at world class, Booth has mixed it up in very decent, often avoided company and prevailed as victor. And come September the 11th, the Nottingham fighter will be looking to take the big prize.
"Jason had so many upsets, to put his life back together has been superb." said Maloney, who has stood by Booth amidst his problems and delivered him this title chance.
"Three-and-a-half years ago I thought we'd give him a couple of fights and see how it goes. To be truthful I didn't think he had it in him."
"But now on 11 September he will fight for the ultimate prize in boxing."
Tickets for the massive night of action are available from 0871 226 1508, 0191 564 0202 or www.frankmaloney.com. VIP Ringside are £95 with the rest a bargain £35. Get yours in advance for a show that looks certain to sell out.
