Jason Booth vs. Steve Molitor on July 23

JASON BOOTH will fulfil a boxing dream when he challenges Canadian Steve Molitor for the IBF world super-bantamweight title next month.

The Nottingham star (35-5) will meet southpaw Molitor (32-1) on Friday July 23 at a venue in England that promoter Frank Maloney will confirm later this week.

Victory for Booth will complete one of the most remarkable comebacks in boxing history having led a rollercoaster life outside of the ring.

Booth, 32, is a recovering alcoholic and has also overcome drug problems to turn his career around.

Booth said: “The world title fight is such a bonus for me and now I want to win it so much. 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 Frank Maloney I have an opportunity to do better.”

During a 14-year career Booth has won British and Commonwealth flyweight titles, the IBO super-flyweight crown, Commonwealth bantamweight championship plus British and Commonwealth belts at super-bantamweight.

He hasn’t touched alcohol for two years and added: “If I hadn’t had boxing, I’d be dead; the drink would’ve beaten me.

“When I have to stop I’ll be alright now. I’ve got me kids now, they’re me 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.

“Tony’s a friend who’s been in my life since I was young. I’ve always trained at his gyms, on and off. I don’t need much training but he’s very good on his tactics and especially calm in his corner work.”

Maloney said: “If Jason pulls this off after the car crash life he has had, it will give me more pleasure than seeing Lennox Lewis become world heavyweight champion.”

Molitor, 31, won the IBF crown for the second time when he outpointed Takalani Ndlovu in March.

His first reign as champion started in November 2006 when he knocked out Hartlepool’s Michael Hunter in five rounds.

Molitor made five successful defences, but his reign ended two years later when he was stopped in four rounds by Celestino Caballero in a unification fight.

Hunter is their one common opponent – Booth also claimed a five round win over him last October.

Booth won’t be after Molitor’s treasured world title belt, but also family revenge. Molitor visited these shores in September 2002 and took the Commonwealth bantamweight title from Jason’s younger brother, Nicky.

The fight will be televised live by Sky Sports.