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: [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 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.
