Goossen-Tutor Boxing Spotlight On John Molina Jr

Lightweight prospect John Molina, Jr., fighting for the first time since sustaining his first loss as a professional, will be in action Friday night at the same venue where he lost in late November. Molina, Jr., who lost by decision to Martin Honorio at the Pechanga Resort & Casino, will be featured on the Honorio-Wilton Hilario undercard at the same Temecula, CA venue.

We go “Inside the Mind” of John Molina, Jr. in the final, prefight days, with “Six Questions” for the popular and talented Covina, CA boxer.

Question: You recently experienced your first loss as a professional. How difficult was that for you?

John Molina Jr: “On the competitive side of me it was more difficult than you want to believe and a tough pill to swallow. But the brain side of me knows the fact that I was 30 percent, if that, because I was sick with the flu.

“I drank a half bottle of Dayquil right before I went down to my dressing room. So, given the circumstances and how I did, now that I look back on it, Martin Honorio fought 100% healthy while I was about 30%. But it was a good experience because I showed I was tough.”

Q: Were you able to take anything positive out of your loss to Martin Honorio?

CM: “Oh Yes, I believe that no matter what happened, worse comes to worse I’m still going to fight. I’m gonna be in a fight and I’m gonna give the fans what they want, which is a fight. And I have proven the fact that no matter what circumstances I’m in, I’ll go out on my shield.”

Q: How much are you looking forward to fighting at Pechanga on March 5th?

JM: “I’m going back to the scene of the crime. I am looking forward to it just to get the ball rolling. I know 2010 is going to be a huge, huge year for me and this is gonna be the first step in the right direction to get back in the win column, get a fight under my belt and move forward. I can’t wait to get in the ring at Pechanga on March 5th and do what we do best in this fight and show everybody that the last fight was just a hiccup in my game. That’s all it was.”

Q: How difficult is it for you to train for a fight knowing it’s a no win situation fighting an unknown?

JM: “It’s like fighting in amateurs when you were back in the day and didn’t know who you were going to fight because they were unknowns. You just knew you had a fight on your hands and just be prepared for anything, brother, and come out on top.

“I put my trust in my team: my father (John Sr.), (Promoter) Dan (Goossen), (Trainer) Joe (Goossen), my manager (Ben Lira). They do what they do best and I do what I do best. So far it’s done wonders for us. I’m not too worried about it. I have the best team around.”

Q: What would a win on March 5th mean for your career going forward?

JM: “It’ll be a step in the right direction, getting back in the win column. To me there is no other option but a win. To me, that’s all I’m looking at. I already have it posted in my mind that it’s going to be a ‘W’. We’re going to go out there, do the job and go home. There’s no other alternative. The way I’m being advised, the way I’m being trained, all I know is that I’ll be coming out with a ‘W’ on March 5th.”

Q: What are your goals for 2010?

JM: “A championship fight in 2010 no matter who it is. I think we’re leaving the door open to take on whoever, whenever. As long as Dan and Joe think I’m ready, then it’s time to go.”

Tickets priced at $70 Premium Ringside (Rows 1-3), $60 (Ringside Rows 4-7), $45 (VIP rows 8-11) and $30 General Admission (Rows 12 and beyond) are available at the Pechanga Box Office from 10am to 10pm or by calling 1-877-2WIN and press 2. Doors open at 5:00 PM. First Bout is at 6:00 PM.