By Tony Singleton: Tomorrow night as Jason Booth steps through the ropes to face Jamie Arthur in a super-bantamweight Commonwealth and British title showdown we should all be reminded of the pivotal role that boxing has played and continues to play in his salvation, not only physically but mentally.

It was only a few years back that Booth had hit rock-bottom in his alcohol addiction and was heading for an early death. “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” Booth admits.

What makes Booth’s return to the ring has been the quality of his performances especially when you consider how much the ravages of alcohol must have taken out of him. He’s always been a courageous skilful boxer and one whom I always felt could have won a world title. In his fight last September against IBF super-bantamweight champion Steve Molitor, when he lost a majority decision to the Canadian, he turned in a typical Booth performance with his usual high workrate and sublime skills. He lost but certainly wasn’t outclassed and although we must praise him for this showing it also highlights what could have been. That’s not to say that Booth may not get the chance again. He still has a burning ambition and stated that he wants to win the European title after coming up short on three occasions.

First though, he must get past Jamie Arthur, which promises to be a fantastic match and Arthur isn’t without confidence. He has said that he is going to outbox Booth rather than use the all-action style that has worked for him so far. This could be just mind games but in my opinion it would be a mistake trying to outbox the slippery Booth.

One thing that is for certain is that if Booth wins it will be one step further away from the hell of his alcohol addiction and a step closer to salvation.