STEVE MOLITOR finds boxing easy – a tougher job is living every day without his jailed brother.
While sibling Jeremy ruined his ring career when he was sentenced to serve at least 14 years for second degree murder of his girlfriend in 2004, Steve has flown the flag.
Canadian Steve (32-1) will be fighting for his brother when he defends his IBF world super-bantamweight title against Jason Booth (35-5) at Rainton Meadows Arena, Houghton-le-Spring on Saturday September 11.
Southpaw Molitor, 30, admitted: “It has taken a tremendous toll.
“But it’s just part of the trials and tribulations of my life. And for me to be able to get through that, and be able to get through that, and be successful, shows what kind of man I am.
“It was a long time ago and my focus is completely on boxing. The past is the past. I survived, I stayed out of trouble, kept training, kept winning and it made me who I am today.”
Molitor is still there for his brother who won a gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games adding: “It’s unconditional love. No one has seen him as I’ve seen him.
“The talks we’ve had, the things we’ve shared. The rest of the world has turned its back on him and shut him out.
“Me? I want to be there for him and to love him and to work on getting him rehabilitated. He needs someone in his life that cares about him. Well, I care.”
In the chief supporting bout Londoner Matthew Marsh (13-2) will meet undefeated Scot Kris Hughes (12-0) for the vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight crown .
Marsh controversially lost on an 11th round cuts stoppage to Booth in February and will have one eye on the winner of the world title clash.
Other fighters on the bill include British featherweight champion Martin Lindsay (16-0), Jon Lewis Dickinson (8-1) and debutant Glen Foot.
Tickets for the massive night of action are available from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com. VIP Ringside are £90 with the rest a bargain £35. Get yours in advance for a show that looks certain to sell out.