Fight-Size Boxing Update: John Molina Jr. Retires, Top Rank, Claressa Shields, WBC, More
Here’s your fight size boxing update for October 2, 2019:
– The latest episode of “THE RISE: Claressa Shields,” can be seen at the top of the page.
– Former world title challenger John Molina Jr. has retired after suffering a TKO loss to Josesito Lopez on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter PPV card back on September 28. Molina, who retires with a 30-9 pro record, once challenged for the WBC lightweight and unified WBO and WBC junior welterweight titles. Here is a statement Molina sent out to ESPN:
“There comes a time in every fighter’s career when he has to be honest with himself. I must say it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to decide … but I’m afraid this career has run its course. It’s now time for me to enjoy the time with my beautiful family. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the fans, friends and family who have supported me throughout this 13-year career. I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to live my dreams and provide a great life for my family doing it.”
– The WBC will look to order David Benavidez to defend his super middleweight title against mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim next. Yildirim was essentially promised a shot at the title after the controversial ending to his fight against Anthony Dirrell in February.
– Starting with October 2, Top Rank will post the following fights to watch for free on its official YouTube channel to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:
- Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera I (October 2)
- Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao IV (October 4)
- Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah (October 7)
- Oscar De La Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas (October 9)
- Roberto Duran vs. Davey Moore (October 11)
– Top Rank announced Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Antonio Nieves will be the co-feature bout to the Shakur Stevenson vs. Joet Gonzalez fight for the WBO super featherweight title on October 26. Mikaela Mayer vs. Alejandra Zamora will headline the ESPN+ undercard before the ESPN+ main card.
– Speaking of the undercard for the October 26 Top Rank, here are the rest of the fights announced:
- Albert Bell vs. Frank De Alba
- Andy Vences vs. Mark Bernaldez
- Jason Sanchez vs. Adeilson Dos Santos
- Tyler McCreary vs. Matt Conway
- Xander Zayas vs. TBA
- Jared Anderson vs. Daniel Infante
- JJ Mariano vs. Trinity Lopez
- Diego Elizondo vs. Jose Ceja
– Shortly after the EBU announced Josh Kelly as the mandatory challenger to the welterweight title being held by David Avanesyan, the EBU has now imposed a purse bid date of October 16.
