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Molitor
Promises Big U.S. Splash
(AUG 6) Harrison, NJ — Top rated bantamweight contender Steve "The
Canadian" Kid" Molitor will move up to the jr. featherweight division
when he takes on the tough, durable and awkward Debind "The Nepal Tiger"
Thapa on the 10-round main event of the upcoming August 19 show at the
Hanover Marriott in Whippany, NJ.
Molitor (20-0, 6 KOs) has chosen to make his third appearance on
U.S.soil a significant one, opting to take on a difficult assignment
rather than facing the proverbial 50-50-record opponent. "You get
nowhere fighting nobodies and the fight against Thapa is a demonstration
of how much faith we have in Steve," says his manager
James Jardine. "Steve wants to become a world champion. He knows that to
prepare for his eventual title opportunity he needs to overcome certain
obstacles. Thapa is the current obstacle but Steve will deliver in a big
way."
Born in Sarnia, Ontario, Molitor (IBF # 3, #9 WBA) was born to box. His
success in the amateur ranks, where he won numerous national and
international meets, propelled him to the pro ranks as highly sought
after prospect. He is now in a position to show his skills to the rest
of the world, especially the United States. He has not been protected
and sheltered despite having fought predominantly in his native Canada.
During his young professional career, "The Canadian Kid" has also
traveled to his opponent's backyard on more than one
occasion. He fought in Michigan against American Mark McQueen in just
his third bout; he ventured out to England to face Briton Nicky Booth,
snatching the Commonwealth (British Empire) Bantamweight title in the
process. He later returned to England to defeat John Mackay in eight
rounds.
Fighting Thapa [a NJ resident] in New Jersey, will not affect Molitor's
confidence. "I know what I need to do inside the ring to win," says
Molitor. "I fought all over the world as an amateur and this is nothing
new to me. Come August 19, I will be one step closer to a world
championship."
Debind Thapa (20-3-1, 11 KOs) on the other hand sees this as his biggest
opportunity. The Nepal native has had a tough time lining up opponents
the last two years. Because of his awkward but effective style, not many
fighters have been willing to lace up the gloves
against "The Nepal Tiger," leaving him frustrated at times, not being
able to focus on his career as he would have liked — hence the less than
impressive performances in his past two outings (a draw and a
technical victory against Juan Carlos Jacobo). Two of his three losses
in his ledger have come against tough contenders, and for two NABF title
attempts. The loss against Phillip Payne came via split decision in a
six-round bout, just as Thapa was beginning to warm up.
With newfound faith and dedication, Thapa now promises to seize the
opportunity against Molitor and show that he belongs among the best 122
pounders in the world.
The Molitor-Thapa 10-round main event will complement what is already
shaping up to be a terrific card, with local NJ talent showcasing their
talents. This will be KEA Boxing's third show in three months with at
least three more planned before the end of the year. Last
April 8, current USBA Jr. Featherweight champion Agapito Sanchez
impressively stopped Ivan Alvarez at the end of eight rounds, while on
June 17 Bayonne's Bobby Rooney (5-1, 3 KOs) destroyed Darin Reed in
the first round during a night of five explosive knockouts. Rooney will
again be part of the August 19 show, meeting Jameson Bostic in a
six-round light heavyweight attraction. "The New Polish Sensation"
Pawal Wolak (6-0, 4 KOs) will fight Kareem Robinson of Philadelphia in a
6-round jr. middleweight bout and Sean Ecklund, nephew of the popular
Micky Ward, will look to score his first professional victory when he
takes on Randy Bileski of Winnipeg, Canada.
Lyndhurst's Wayne Johnsen (8-0, 5 KOs) will look to add to his already
impressive record of victories, while Sharon Gaines will face Kim
Colbert of Southfield, MI. Additionally Noriko Kariya (1-0) will fight
the familiar and tough Camille Casson, and Danny McDermott will
see action against an opponent to be announced.
