Undefeated Terence “Bud” Crawford will make the first defense of his unified 140-pound titles when he rumbles with John Molina on Saturday, December 10, at CenturyLink Center Omaha, televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing.
“Molina is a tough opponent who has been in the ring with the best of the division,” said Crawford. “I can’t wait for December 10 because Molina is really a good puncher and I will be going in there to fight as well. For me, fighting in Omaha means so much. There is no place like home.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity,” said Molina. “I am training hard for what I know will be a great fight.”
“It’s an honor to bring a warrior like Molina to Omaha and to test Terence Crawford at his best,” said Brian McIntyre, Crawford’s trainer and co-manager. “This is also a great opportunity for people who haven’t seen Terence in the ring live before, to do so.”
“This is another great opportunity for Terence to showcase his pound for pound ability,” said Cameron Dunkin, Crawford’s co-manager. “John Molina is a very tough contender who is coming off some terrific wins. It’s a wonderful opportunity for Terence to get back into the ring to make another great statement!”
“The Omaha fans will be packed to the rafters in support of their favorite son Terence Crawford,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “John Molina will provide a great test for Terence but I think it’s a test Terence will pass with flying colors. A victory on December 10 will make a strong argument for Terence to be named Fighter of the Year.”
“This is a just an overall great match up. John is coming off a huge victory over Ruslan Provodnikov and is prepared to shock everyone again by beating Crawford on December 10th,” said Tom Brown, president of TGB Promotions, Molina’s promoter.
“Terence Crawford has established himself as an elite world champion who is seeking and earning pound for pound respect,” said Peter Nelson, executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “When Crawford fights in his native Omaha, he becomes that city’s one-man hometown team. In a career punctuated by upset victories, John Molina Jr. now has the opportunity to spoil the holiday season in Omaha and take home Crawford’s super lightweight titles.”
