(BEIJING, CHINA) – The youngest member of the United States Olympic Boxing Team, light welterweight Javier Molina (Commerce, Calif.) nearly made his trip to Beijing a family affair as twin brother Oscar won a spot on the Mexican Olympic Team. Yet Oscar fell one victory short of qualifying internationally, and Javier will compete in Beijing without his twin brother.

The close-knit Molina family will arrive in China in time for Molina’s first bout and they talk often by phone. Yet Molina continues to focus on his dream of winning Olympic gold, and despite only being 18-years-old, the California teenager has remained focused on the upcoming competition. He took a few minutes prior to his second to last sparring session to share his feelings on the upcoming Olympics.

1. How are you feeling now just a couple days out from the Opening Ceremonies?

I’m excited, I’m focused. I’m trying to get every single detail of my boxing perfected so I can go out there and perform.

2. How has being on the ground here in China affected your training?

Besides my being more focused, it really hasn’t affected it that much. We are on the same schedule and we have been doing the same things we have the past couple of months.

3. What is the most challenging part of being here in Beijing?

Waiting, it seems like it has been taking forever. I guess because we came so early, I thought it would go by a little faster. It’s been taking forever, but now it’s almost here.

4. What is your favorite thing about China so far?

Staying at the Olympic Village with Olympians from all the different countries and being able to communicate with them.

5. What was the one thing you wanted to make sure you brought to China?

Nothing

6. What is a typical day like here for you in Beijing?

Wake up, go to plyometrics and get a little rest or call my family back at home. Go workout in the afternoon and go back and relax and try to stay focused.

7. Are any family and friends coming to China to support you?

My parents, three of my brothers (including twin brother Oscar), my coach and his wife, and my brother’s wife as well as another friend from the gym.

8. What does being an Olympian mean to you?

It means a lot to me. Since I was a little kid, I’ve been watching the Olympics and the opening ceremony so being in this position I’m in now, I want to make sure to take advantage of it.

9. What is your favorite thing to eat here?

Pasta

10. What can people expect to see from you when you finally take the ring at the Workers Indoor Arena?

I’m going to go in there and give it 100%, I’m going to give it my all, I’m not goiing to back down.

AUGUST 6TH WEIGH-IN – AVIATOR IN BROOKLYN AND B.B. KING’S IN NEW YORK

Bronx, NY – Aug 05, 2008 The weigh-in for both of Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing events Wednesday night took place today at the New York State Athletic Commission in New York City. Vinny Maddalone (29-4, 20KO’s) who is fighting at B.B. King’s in New York City on a card co- promoted with DiBella Entertainment, looked in great shape as he weighed in at 233 lbs. His opponent Joe Stofle (11-13- 2, 10KO’s) tipped the scales at 261 lbs.

Maddalone says he is more then ready to go and is looking forward to fighting in front of his hometown fans again. “It’s always nice to fight at home and have your fans behind you supporting you every step of the way. It motivates me and really gets me up for the fight. I am looking forward to this fight and plan on putting on a great show and giving the fans in attendance something to be excited about,” stated Maddalone.
The second card DeGuardia is promoting the same night is taking place at the Aviator Sports and Recreation Center in Brooklyn, NY and will be shown live on ESPN2’s “Wednesday Night Fights”. The card which is co-promoted by Final Forum Boxing features Ali Oubaali (21-3, 17KO’s) taking on Chris Fernandez (15-4-1, 9KO’s) in the main event. Oubaali weighed in at 137 lbs while Fernandez was 140.

Oubaali said he feels great and is ready to go. “I love fighting in my new home, New York. The fans are great, and I plan on giving them something special tomorrow. I want to thank my promoter Joe DeGuardia and Star Boxing for putting this fight together. I am going to show the boxing world tomorrow on ESPN2 that I am the real deal. The Hurricane is coming.”

Sosnowski Weigh-In In the co-feature of the night Poland’s Albert Sosnowski (43-1, 26KO’s) who weighed in at 223 lbs. takes on battle tested Zuri Lawrence (23-14-4). Lawrence who has been in with many of the top heavyweights in the world weighed in at 241 lbs. Sosnowski was originally scheduled to face Kevin Burnett, but Burnett pulled out earlier this week. Lawrence will be a good test for Sosnowski, and Sosnowski is looking forward to the challenge, and the opportunity to be fighting on national T.V. here in the U.S. once again.

Former amateur standout and one of Star Boxing’s newest, and brightest stars, Yathomas Riley (1-0, 1KO) looks to shine once again when he takes on Phil Hannah in Hannah’s pro debut. Riley weighed in at a ripped 170 lbs while Hannah was 172.

It’s finally here. I had a great training camp and I am ready to go. I’m looking forward to fighting in Brooklyn and I hope everyone comes out to see the show,” said Riley.

A complete list of the weigh in goes as follows:

Aviator Brooklyn, NY

Ali Oubaali 137 vs. Chris Fernandez 140
Albert Sosnowski 223 vs. Zuri Lawrence 241
Derrick Rossy 231 vs. Jermell Barnes 218
Yathomas Riley 170 vs. Phil Hannah 172
Tarvis Simms 169 vs. Carl Daniels 173