Bernard Hopkins 173.5 – Chad Dawson 174.5
Seth Mitchell 241.5 – Chazz Withersppon 231.5
Shawn Porter 153.5 – Patrick Thompson 153.5
Mike Faragon 137.5 – Sergio Rivera 139.6
Lavarn Harvell 174.5 – Tony Pietrantonio 175.4
Julian Williams 154.5 – Hector Rosario 155.5
Phil Lo Greco 149 – Hector Orozco 149
John Molina Jr. Ready To Resume Lightweight Campaign Under Goossen Tutor Banner
Sherman Oaks, CA (April 27) Speculation of a turbulent relationship between John Molina Jr. (23-1, 19 KOs) and Goossen Tutor Promotions were put aside today in the Los Angeles office of the California State Athletic Commission. Putting those differences to rest, the two parties met face to face and agreed to move forward together and fulfill Molina’s dream of becoming world champion.
“I’m excited to continue my career under the Goossen Tutor banner,” said the 29-year-old lightweight contender. “There were some differences that we were able to get to the bottom of and now we can go back to focusing on winning a world title.
“I’ve been in the gym this whole time and I’m looking forward to showcasing my ability and showing the world that I am ready to take on and beat the upper echelon of fighters at 135. This is fair warning: [World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight World Champion] Antonio Demarco (27-2-1, 20 KOs), [WBO lightweight World Champion] Ricky Burns (34-2, 9 KOs), I’m coming for you.”
John Molina Jr. is widely considered one of the hottest young lightweight prospects in boxing. A native of Covina, California who has posted 19 vicious knockouts among his first 23 wins, while only sustaining one loss in his career, had fought his way to the #3 world ranked contender, until the recent spate of inactivity intervened and lower his world ranking.
“I’m ready to get my top ranking back, a world title belt around my waist, and any of the champions at 135 and of course, I’ll always make an exception for (Brandon) Rios,” Molina said.
Molina previously had his sights set on Rios (30-0-1, 22 KOs) having had two potential fights with Rios never come to fruition. Rios, who was stripped of the World Boxing Association (WBA) World Championship for failing to make weight in his second defense against John Murray, was given another shot at the vacant title in his very next fight against Richard Abril this past April. Though Rios managed to squeeze out a controversial split decision victory, he failed to make weight for the second time in a row, and did not recapture the championship as a result.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with this great young and exciting fighter and are anxious to see him rise to the top of the lightweight division,” promoter Dan Goossen said. “We will have him back in the ring in June and announce an opponent and venue shortly.”
Molina’s most recent ring appearance came in June of last year, when he took on Robert Frankel (28-11-1, 5 KOs) at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Cabazon, Calif. Molina was too quick and powerful for the tested veteran fighter, and Raul Caiz Jr. would stop the bout at the conclusion of round 5.
“We plan on getting John right back to the top of the organizations lightweight division and have him fighting for a title by the end of the year,” stated Goossen.
IMAGINE! PACQUIAO BEATS BRADLEY
By Reni M. Valenzuela: Pacman is most dangerous at this time as a boxer. He can float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Imagine a Muhammad Ali with hands that have been turned into gloves of stone, all set and ready to break the hardest rock in a single stroke. Imagine a Henry Armstrong in a flurry of merciless blows to grind a giant idolatrous bust to powder. Imagine a Sugar Ray Robinson with long stretch offense that can crumble China’s Great Walls; able even to penetrate through the biblical Jericho’s solid thick walls of defense, strong and forceful enough to confuse his rival, and everyone having the chance to witness rarity in fight sport.
Imagine boxing without a true star.
Pacquiao has just gone fresh from a miraculous conversion and he’s not only back to his “old form,” he is well advanced in might and ability to humble any godless warrior or beast “man enough” to engage him in the ring.
The Pacquiao who would beat Timothy Bradley in a stunning fashion weeks from now is the Pacquiao who could have crushed Juan Manuel Marquez to pieces within five rounds in their trilogy bout.
We’ve seen just ghosts and shadows last November 12 in the MGM Grand. But brace yourself on June 9. On that date and in the same boxing arena, we will not miss the real Pacman. The bout’s outcome is in Pacquiao’s heart to decide. He could choose either to cause his opponent to fall-flat straight in a stretcher or have pity on his soul, if soul he has. Such formidable odds against the rope or against yourself.
Boxed in a squared ring, Timothy’s only choice is to be on his knees.
Imagine that!
renimvalenzuela@yahoo.com