Molitor Successfully Defends Title at Casino Rama
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 08.30.2008
"The Canadian Kid" now looks towards Celestino Caballero in a unification bout.
The"The Canadian Kid" Steve Molitor (28-0, 11 KO's) turned back the determined challenge of Ceferino Labarda (18-1, 7 KO's) via a tenth round technical knockout Friday night in the main event of Rumble at Rama V, at Casino Rama, looking impressive along the way.
The IBF junior featherweight champion punished the previously undefeated Labarda with crisp hooks, crosses, and debilitating body shots.
After needing a couple of rounds to get in a rhythm, Molitor began landing bombs with both hands, gradually wearing down the resolute Labarda, flooring him in the ninth before a punishing flurry prompted referee Charlie Fitch to step in and stop the fight.
Official time was 2:34 seconds of the tenth round.
"It was definitely one of my best performances," a triumphant Molitor told the media after the fight. "I didn't go out to try and stop him. I just went in and put my punches together. I knew once I hurt him to the body in the ninth he was going out."
The Molitor victory paves the way for Casino Rama and Orion Sports Management to close the deal on one of the biggest fights in Canadian boxing history – a title unification bout between "The Canadian Kid" and WBA champion Celestino Caballero, of Panama, on November 21. That superfight depends on Caballero successfully defending his title on September 18 in Panama against lightly regarded Elvis Meija.
"We've crossed one hurdle, now we await September 18," said Allan Tremblay, President of Orion Sports Management. "I'll be sitting ringside in Panama with a contract in my pocket for Caballero to sign."
Pending sanctioning by the IBF, WBA, and the Ontario Athletic Commission, a Molitor-Caballero showdown at Casino Rama would be the first title unification bout ever on Canadian soil, and the most significant bout in Canada since the 1980 Roberto Duran vs. Sugar Ray Leonard blockbuster at Montreal's Olympic Stadium.
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On the undercard, Greg "The Steel Pole" Kielsa (7-0, 3 KO's) remained unbeaten, putting in his most complete professional performance to date in outclassing a tough Jerry Butler (7-5, 7 KO's) over eight rounds en route to an impressive unanimous decision Friday night at Casino Rama's Rumble at Rama V.
Kielsa's superior conditioning, footwork, and combinations carried the day, proving simply too much to overcome for Butler, who came in to the contest having stopped every foe he's defeated.
"He was like a tank in there," a victorious Kielsa said of Butler after notching his seventh win in as many pro fights.
"But I came in to the ring in great shape and was able to execute my gameplan."
The Bialystock, Poland native, who now resides in Brampton, Ontario, then set his sights on Canadian heavyweight champion Raymond Olubowale, who followed Kielsa's win with his own unanimous decision win, a six round nod over Demetrice King.
"I'll fight Raymond in a heartbeat. I'll fight him next week."
Olubowale seemed more than up to the challenge, throwing down a gauntlet of his own.
"Greg isn't even close to being in my class. I'll beat him up like a schoolgirl".
