As if the ESPN2 “Friday Night Fights” televised doubleheader featuring heavyweight Cristobal Arreola vs. Joey Abell and the Michael Dallas, Jr. – Josesito Lopez battle for the NABF Junior Welterweight Championship didn’t offer enough excitement for boxing fans at the Pechanga Resort & Casino, Goossen Tutor Promotions will present a talent-laden undercard of local area favorites in action, including Shawn Estrada and John Molina Jr.
East LA’s undefeated U.S. Olympian Shawn “Manos De Oro” Estrada (10-0, 9 KOs) will be featured in a scheduled six-round bout against his toughest competition to date in John “The Iron Man” Schmidt (10-1, 6 KOs), of Minneapolis, MN, in a super middleweight matchup.
In an eight-round non-title contest, Covina’s NABO Lightweight Champion John Molina, Jr. (21-1, 17 KOs), rated #2 WBO and #10 WBA, will be the first ring action since his stunning 11th-round TKO of top world contender Hank Lundy to capture the crown on a nationally-televised thriller back in July.
Rounding out the undercard – in separate four-round bouts — will be a pair of fighters from the region who have knocked out all of their opponents. In a battle of bantamweights, Matt Villanueva (4-0, 4 KOs), of Van Nuys, will give up a few years in experience when he squares off with Santa Ana’s Jose Luis Cardenas (5-11-1, 3 KOs). And Kevin Hoskins (3-0, 3 KOs), hailing from Los Angeles, will do likewise when he is tested by veteran Ramon Flores (3-9-2, 2 KOs), from Wilmington, CA.
“What a way to kick off our first show on American soil in 2011 by presenting Southern California boxing fans with a talented array of locally-based fighters underneath our two main bouts,” Goossen Tutor Promotions Dan Goossen exclaimed.
“Shawn Estrada continues his progression from outstanding amateur and Olympic Team member to a potential world contender. John Molina, Jr. is on the precipice of a world title shot. And Matt Villanueva and Kevin Hoskins have kicked off their pro careers in knockout fashion.”
Tickets prices start at $35 and are available at www.pechanga.com, directly at the Pechanga Box Office daily from 10am to 10pm, or by calling 1-877-711-2WIN. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First Bout is at 6:00 PM.
