John Molina Ready for the Biggest Fight of his Young Career
Talented, promising lightweight prospect John Molina Jr. (18-0, 14 KOs) of Covina, Calif., will make his main event debut and face his toughest test when he meets veteran Martin “El Brochas” Honorio (26-4-1, 14 KOs) of Mexico in what will be a solid 10-round bout for the vacant North American Boxing Federation (NABF) lightweight championship in a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation, tomorrow/Saturday, Nov. 28 live on SHOWTIME® (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
In the co-feature, undefeated Rico “Suavecito” Ramos (13-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles will take on Alejandro “El Alacran” Perez (14-1-1, 9 KOs) of Salinas, Calif. in an eight-round junior bantamweight bout.
The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and will emanate from the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, Calif.
What the fighters said Friday:
JOHN MOLINA
“The notoriety I am getting is good but the reason why I’m getting it is because I am fighting well. So I need to continue to fight well for the notoriety to continue.
“Even though this is a 10-round fight and my first main event, I have gone into it doing the same things I have always done – nothing special. I am ready and very well-prepared.
“But this is definitely my toughest fight. Honorio is totally credible. His experience is a major factor. He’s not going to just come way down for me. He’s a rugged, strong, battle-tested fighter who has been in with the best, beat the beat and lost to the best.
“The key for me is dictating the pace and sticking to the game plan (trainer) Joe (Goossen) made for this. I am totally confident
“My arrogance steps from not what I’ve accomplished – I’m still in the infancy of my career and just starting to get things to come together – but that I am totally prepared for anything.’’
MARTIN HONORIO
“This is definitely the most important fight in the world right now for me and I am truly happy and excited the fight was made. This is my chance to show the world that I still have it.
“It is do or die for me, but I can’t wait.
“Molina is a very strong fighter with a good record who likes to come at you. But I’m confident that if I fight my fight, I’ll win.
“My experience will be one of the key factors. I have been in this sport way longer and I have fought better. Experience, motivation and the will to win are the main factors.
“I expect both of us to bring out “A’’ games and that the best man will win.’’
RICO RAMOS
“Fighting on SHOWTIME is a tremendous opportunity but I know I can’t get caught up in the moment and that I have to maintain my cool.
“This is a big step up for me, but I am ready.
“We have sparred before so we know each other. I consider myself a pretty smart boxer who can anticipate so I’m pretty sure I know what he’s going to do.
“I can say that this will be his toughest fight to date. I’ll say afterward if it was my toughest fight, but it definitely is going to be his.
“This is my second fight using my nickname “Suavecito,’’ which I got for my style in the ring.’’
ALEJANDRO PEREZ
“I’m treating this like any other fight, but fact it’s my first fight on SHOWTIME you can only imagine how excited I really am. There will be a lot of fans watching this fight in the arena and on television. I have a lot of fans coming down from Northern California just for this.
“Hopefully, he will come to fight. It won’t matter either way because I am confident I will win, but I come to put on a great fight for the people.
“I am totally focused on Saturday. What happened a long time ago in a gym during sparring sessions won’t matter.’’
