John “The Gladiator” Molina Jr. and Abner Mares held workout in Los Angeles Wednesday before they lace up their gloves for the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions on NBC show taking place Saturday, March 7 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
John Molina Jr.
“Being the underdog is how I got to this point. I took the scenic route to get here but I’m definitely excited to be on this big show on NBC. It’s going to be a great night of boxing on March 7.
“The (Humberto) Soto fight was a learning experience, but going in as the underdog is about going in and doing your job. I’ve had a lot of success as an underdog.
“I just took the positives from my last fight and tried to make the best of it and now I’m here today with the golden ticket in my hand.
“To see where I’m at today, after all I’ve gone through in my career, I’m in awe sometimes but we’re just barely getting started.
“I’m undefeated against quick guys like Adrien Broner and I love being the underdog. Adrien Broner is a great name for the sport of boxing, everyone loves to hate him, so it’s going to be a great night of boxing.
“Stylistically it’s two very different styles and that is what makes great fights. It’s like Apollo Creed and Rocky.
“There’s nothing in the past or before this, I’m only focused on being victorious on March 7.”
Abner Mares
“I have always felt the love from all my different coaches. There’s no perfect coach and no perfect fighter. Going back to Clemente Medina was just the most perfect fit. He knows me well and we’re on the same page. There is a lot of comfort.
“I didn’t lose anything from the Gonzalez fight, I gained. I learned a lot from that fight and now I’m more focused on becoming better and better.
“I have to go out there and make a statement. I’m going out there and branding myself on national television. I’m excited for people to see me out there and my mentality is to go in there and impress. I want to steal the show.
“I hope Leo Santa Cruz is next. I know it’s there. I just want to look sharp and go from there.”
