Jason Booth has a record of 35 wins and six defeats, with 15 knock-outs

Jason Booth's world title bid ended in defeat as he lost a majority points verdict to IBF super-bantamweight champion Steve Molitor in Sunderland.

Nottingham fighter Booth, 32, has fought a successful battle with alcohol and had talked of creating a "Hollywood story" by landing a world title.

But after a bright start from Booth, Molitor's class started to show.

And although one judge scored it level, the others gave it to the Canadian 116-113 and 116-112.

Booth had earned his shot at the title after picking up the British title and successfully defending it on three occasions.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Booth's defeat here

Molitor had beaten Booth's brother Nicky in a Commonwealth title fight, took the IBF title four years ago and had only lost once.

An energetic Booth won the second round and marked Molitor near the eye.

But Molitor came into his own as the fight wore on, unleashing blows to the head and body of Booth and opening a small cut by the Briton's right eye.

Both men looked tired in a fraught 12th round but it was no surprise when Molitor retained his title on points.

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