Friday night's junior featherweight clash between Mauricio Martinez of Panama and Herberto Ruiz of Mexico marked the first time since July 2007 that Steve "The Canadian Kid" Molitor hasn't headlined a fight card at Casino Rama.

That doesn't mean Molitor wasn't in the spotlight during Rumble at Rama VII.

He watched from ringside with vested interest as Ruiz fought his way to a questionable unanimous decision victory, knowing that in a few short months he would be trading punches with the pesky Mexican under those same bright, unforgiving lights. 

Following the 12-round encounter, Molitor's promoter, Allan Tremblay, announced that his fighter would battle Ruiz on June 26 at Casino Rama.  

The Canadian Kid may have been seated safely on the sidelines as he watched his future opponent engage in a clinch-filled bout, but he was still feeling a bit nervous.  It was his first time back at Rama since he was easily knocked out by the heavy handed hurricane who stole his title back in November --- Panama's Celestino Caballero.

"I had a little bit of butterflies, since it was my first time back since Caballero," Molitor admitted.  "It's great to be home, I feel at home here and I'm treated with respect here, and I couldn't ask to fight anywhere else."

Molitor eyes future opponent Herberto Ruiz during a post-fight press conference at Casino Rama

Ruiz, who claimed the lightly-regarded Inter Continental title with his win over a game Martinez, doesn't present the sheer physicality or power that the 6'0 Caballero dismantled Molitor with, but he's still a dangerous fighter, and Molitor, somewhat humbled by his knockout loss, isn't about to take him lightly.

"That was a great fight, it started off a little slow, but the guy is a skilled fighter.  (Ruiz has) got a lot of fights under his belt and it really showed tonight," he told reporters.

A win on the 26th would likely secure Molitor another shot at the coveted IBF title, which Caballero rightfully claimed at the end of his thudding power punches.

Molitor's trainer, Stephane Larouche, thinks Ruiz presents a serious challenge --- one that his fighter will be prepared to tackle following several rejuvenating months away from the physically and psychologically debilitating grind of the fight game. 

"He (Ruiz) throws quite a few punches and fights like a real Mexican fighter, with heart, balls, and a will to win, so we are looking forward to a big fight for Steve on his return June 26th," Larcouche said.

Ruiz suffered a fairly nasty cut over his right eye during the fight, but his handlers don't feel it will be a factor come June.  He admits the fight against Martinez --- a powerful, awkward southpaw --- didn't provide him the best chance to show off his skills.

"A southpaw is always difficult to fight, but in this fight I learned things and we're gonna try to do better in the fight against Molitor," he vowed through an interpreter.

As for Molitor, he's itching to get back at it and bring the title back to his home turf.

"I wanted to fight tonight," he said, confirming that the fire to trade punches hasn't been quelled by his knockout loss.

"It was actually a good time to have time off and be there for the birth of my son and take care of some different things and be there for my family, but I'm always wanting to fight, I'm a hungry man."

"I haven't fought for a while and I lost my title, I'm hungry and ready to get back to the job."

michaelt@citytv.com

                     Greg Kielsa Vs. Arthur Cook (Result: Kielsa retains title via 8th round KO)

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