RAMA, ON – Since losing his IBF Junior Featherweight world championship to Celestino Caballero in November of 2008, “The Canadian Kid” Steve Molitor (31-1, 12 KO’s) has been on a single-minded mission to regain his belt, and re-establish his dominance at 122 pounds.

 

On March 27th at Casino Rama, in Rama, Ontario, that mission can finally be accomplished when Molitor (ranked #2 by the IBF) faces South African Takalani Ndlovu (30-5, 18 KO’s, IBF #1) for the now vacant IBF Junior Featherweight world title, during the main event at Rumble at Rama XI.

 

“All I’ve been thinking about is becoming a two-time champion, and nobody is going to get in my way,” Molitor said.  “Especially Ndlovu.”

Molitor and Ndlovu are more than familiar with each other.

In July of 2007, in Molitor’s first of five successful title defenses, the Sarnia, Ontario-born fighter capped off a spectacular showing by stopping Ndlovu in the ninth round in a fight many point to as Molitor’s finest performance.

“As good as I was the first time against him, Ndlovu’s crazy to think he has a chance of beating me in a rematch.” Molitor said.  “I’m here to not only regain my title, but to show the world I’m even better now than I was during my first title reign. That means laying an even more convincing beating on Ndlovu this time around.”

For Ndlovu, March 27th offers the South African a chance to show the world that he’s a better fighter than the one that was dominated so thoroughly by Molitor in their first fight.

 

“I have earned my mandatory spot in the IBF rankings, and the fact that I’m now # 1 and Steve # 2, speaks volumes. This time around it will be far different from the last time I fought Steve,” Ndlovu said.

“I’m not overconfident, but the fact that I have agreed to go back to Canada, shows my mindset for this fight. This is most likely my last chance to win the IBF world title and I’m prepared to do what ever it takes to beat Steve. Come March 27th, people will see a different Takalani Ndlovu from the last time, and a different Steve Molitor. I may even stop Steve.”

“This fight has been the by-product of patience, resiliency, and some tough, tough negotiations,” said Allan Tremblay, President of Orion Sports Management. “Ndlovu’s promoter, Branco Milenkovic, was the IBF Promoter of the year, and deserves some credit in making this happen. He was tough but fair.”

“But the important thing is it’s a done deal. And we have a truly great fight between two hungry, determined fighters looking to be called the best in the world.”

There’s more to Rumble at Rama XI than just the mouthwatering main event.

In the evening’s co-feature, Canadian Heavyweight champion, Greg “The Steel Pole” Kielsa (11-0, 5 KO’s), of Brampton, Ontario, defends his title against Toronto’s Neven Pajkic (11-0, 5 KO’s), over 10 rounds.

And in a special added 10 round attraction, burgeoning female superstar, Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton, of the Philippines, via San Francisco, California, faces Toronto’s Lisa “Bad News” Brown for the vacant WBA Super Bantamweight world championship.

“Orion Sports Management is thrilled to be able to put on a card like this. We’ve got two world title fights, and a rare showdown between undefeated Canadian Heavyweights fighting for the national title,” Tremblay said proudly. “We just signed Ana Julaton to a two-year Canadian promotional contract, and we’re sure she’s going to turn some heads both inside and outside the ropes.”

“But we put her in tough. Lisa Brown has a track record of winning, and comes to fight every time out.”

"In addition, we are staging three scintillating undercard fights, featuring Felix Mercedes, Justin Fountain, Jason Douglas, and Stephan Boyd in top-to-bottom the best fight card we have ever put on at Casino Rama."

Rumble at Rama XI will be promoted by Orion Sports Management, in association with Casino Rama.

Casino Rama has played host to Molitor’s past nine fights, and has welcomed his army of fans for some of his most exhilarating triumphs, and his gut-wrenching setback to Caballero.

“We’re so proud to have Steve topping off another great night of fights at the Casino, which is undoubtedly the home for world class boxing in Canada,” said Jeff Craik, VP Marketing for Casino Rama.  “Every time Steve steps into the Casino Rama ring, the place just erupts. And now, with his fans by his side, he has an opportunity to become a two-time world champion at the place that really is a second home for him.”

Tickets for Rumble at Rama XI are $125, $75, $50 and $25 and are available in-person at the Casino Rama Box Office, and at all TicketMaster locations, by calling (416) 870-8000 and online at www.casinorama.com.  Ticket prices do not include applicable taxes or service charges.