PROVIDENCE (July 1, 2010) – Fighting the second time for the NABO lightweight crown, John Molina, Jr. believes an impressive victory this time against NABO lightweight champion “Hammerin’” Hank Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs) not only will get him the belt that has eluded him, but put him right into contention in the deep 135-pound division.
Molina (20-1, 16 KOs) is traveling across the country from California to Rhode Island to challenge the outspoken Lundy (18-0-1, 10 KOs), now rated No. 7 by the World Boxing Organization, in the 10-round main event on the July 9th “Let Freedom Ring” show, presented by Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Entertainment and Sports, Inc. (CES), at Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI.
An ill Molina suffered his first and only loss as a pro last September, losing a 10-round decision to Martin Honorio (26-4-1) for the NABO and NABF lightweight championships. “I felt that it was a small setback in the early stages of my career,” Molina said. “It was a good learning experience. Don’t get me wrong, though. Even though I was under the weather, it was a tough pill to swallow because I’m such a competitor. The only real undefeated fighter today is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Hey, even Manny Pacquiao has three losses. It builds character and has made me a better fighter.”
Molina describes himself as an all-action fighter, much the same as Lundy. “I’m going to come in and do what I do best – fight,” John explained. “I’m not a basketball or baseball player; I’m a fighter. We’re both modern-day gladiators. No disrespect to Hank Lundy – he’s a good fighter – but I plan on showcasing myself July 9th on ESPN. It’s going to be a great fight for fans – a Clash of Titans!
“Lundy’s never at loss of words. He can say all he wants, but we’re fighting in a ring, not at a podium. I’m not one to disrespect anybody. I do predict this is going to be a helluva fight.”
New England super middleweight champion “Irish” Joey McCreedy (11-4-2, 6 KOs), trained by “Irish” Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund, puts his title on the line against his friend and stable-mate, former U. of Rhode Island football player Vladine Biosse (6-0, 4 KOs), in the 8-round co-feature.
Quincy (MA) welterweight Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (2-1, 1 KO) will be out for revenge in a 6-round rematch against the only opponent to defeat her, Providence’s Kali Reis (2-0 1 KO), who won a hotly-contested 4-round decision in their first meeting.
Providence firefighter Eric Estrada makes his long-awaited pro debut in a 4-round match against cruiserweight Keon Graham (2-2). Estrada, whose brother is 2004 U.S. Olympian Jason “Big Six” Estrada, was perfect as an amateur with a 6-0 record, including victories in the New England Golden Gloves Tournament and Rocky Marciano Tournament.
Roxbury (MA) super middleweight Maceo Crowder (2-0, 1 KO), whose brother is 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius Andrade, faces pro-debuting Worcester (MA) mixed martial arts fighter Ralph Johnson.
Also slated to fight in 4-round bouts are Warwick (RI) super middleweight Keith Kozlin (5-1, 3 KOs) vs. New Bedford’s (MA) Eric Pinaretta (2-3, 2 KOs), Woonsocket (RI) super middleweight Joe Gardner (4-1-1, 1 KO) vs. Demarcus “Main Event” Clark (1-2, 1 KO), Lincoln super lightweight Diego Pereira (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. Richard Calazada (2-1, 1 KO), and Fall River (MA) middleweight Dustin Reinhold (1-1, 1 KO) vs. Joel Nieves (0-2). All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets for “Let Freedom Ring,” priced at $35.00, $50.00, $75.00 and $100.00, are available to purchase by calling CES (401.724.2253/2254), going online at www.cesboxing.com or www.twinriver.com, at Twin River’s Players Club booth at Twin River, or any TicketMaster location.
Contact CES (401.724.2253/2254/www.cesboxing.com) or the Twin River Event Center (877.82.RIVER/ www.twinriver.com) for more information. Doors open at 5:30 PM/ET, first bout at 6:30 PM/ET.
(Twin River has waived its 18+ rule for “Let Freedom Ring.” Anybody under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult and they must enter through the West entrance.)
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