two siblings had defended titles on the same night. European and World challenges His next fight saw Booth, who now had a record of 20–1 challenge once again for the European flyweight title. This time the opponent was Russian Alexander Mahmutov and the fight was to be in the Spanish capital Madrid. Booth's second career defeat once again came when challenging for European honours losing the bout again on points over 12 rounds. Booth was hoping to make it third time lucky when in June 2001 he challenged once again for the title. Mahmutov had vacated and the vacant title was up for grabs with Booth travelling back to France to face Mimoun Chent. The dream was not to be realised however when the fight was stopped in the seventh round due to a series of nasty cuts around the Frenchman's eyes, Booth ended up losing on a technical decision. Two more non-title fights back in the United Kingdom saw Booth get back to winning ways with two more wins before, in September 2003, re-entering the championship frame. The title on the line was the IBO super-flyweight title held by South African Lunga Ntontela. The fight saw Booth put down in the seventh round but still ended with a win for the British man after claiming a split decision victory. A defence in March 2004 saw him beat Huddersfield based Dale Robinson before losing the title in December 2004 to Northern Ireland's Damaen Kelly himself a former European champion. Following the loss of his IBO belt, Booth spent almost two years away from the ring as he struggled with addiction. Booth spent all of his earnings on a combination of alcohol and drugs. The suicide of his sister Deana years prior had triggered his alcoholism. Eventually, he checked into a rehabilitation clinic and began training once more with trainer Tony Harris. Bantamweight Commonwealth champion Booth made his comeback on 3 November 2006 moving up to bantamweight with a win over journeyman Abdul Mghrbel at the Barnsley Metrodome almost two years since his defeat to Kelly. He followed this up in February 2007 with a win against Jamil Hussain and then on 6 July 2007 stepped into the ring with former opponent Ian Napa to challenge for the British bantamweight title. The fight at the Robin Park Centre in Wigan saw Napa gain revenge for his defeat in 2000 with a