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ESPN’s “Friday Night Fights” series will serve up an enthralling doubleheader tonight as action heroes John Molina Jr (24-2-0 19 KO’s) and Dannie Williams (22-2-0 18 KO’s) collide over 10 rounds for the WBO NABO Lightweight strap in the main event. In addition, boxer Brandon Gonzalez (16-0-0 10 KO’s) challenges journeyman Don Mouton (12-4-1 10 KO’s) as a co-headliner.
Molina vs Williams is a crucial fight for both men coming off losses in their last major encounters. Williams was outboxed by Henry “Hank” Lundy in March 2012, his last Friday Night Fights appearance. Molina was chopped down by a quick, vicious assault in his first world title challenge back in September of last year against Antonio DeMarco.
Ironically, there is a perfect measuring stick for this fight; Hank Lundy, who lost a late stoppage to Molina back in 2010, and won a decision over Williams just months ago.
Lundy clearly outboxed Molina over the first seven rounds until Molina crashed him to the canvas in the eighth and continued to gradually grind down the well acclaimed prospect until the impressive 11th round show-closing maul up.
Williams, on the other hand, scored a speedy flash knockdown of Lundy in round one but then fell onto a slow, comfortable rhythm that resulted in a clear decision loss.
As much as he likes to stand in the pocket and trade, Molina should stay careful against Williams, place punches and remain composed. Molina has a good jab but he should be cautious about timing his right hand. That was one of the things that tossed him straight into “Tony” DeMarco’s trap in his first round knockout loss.
Williams is a pure-bred puncher at heart. His wavy, dreadlocked hair just about defines his rough and tumble style as a fighter. He hunts for a spot to land that piercing right hand as soon as possible. Lundy easily adapted to that pattern over 12 rounds. Molina needs to do the same in order to grab a victory.
The co-feature on the card provides less volume. Brandon Gonzalez is a “feather” fisted puncher. He has shown key timing and swiftness in most of his televised appearances, winning wide decision victories.
The power provided by Don Mouton does give some added incentive to tune in, but he doesn’t have the overall skill level of his opponent and should provide a showcase for Gonzalez.
Tune in from 9PM EST/6PM PST on ESPN 2/ESPN3.com in the United States.
Corey Quincy is a boxing writer for Saddoboxing.com, his personal site Blboxing.com and more. Follow him on Twitter at Quincyboxingfan and like his Facebook page at Boxing Legends.
