Javier Molina, Estrada and Molina on March 27th – Boxing News

By Boxing News - 03/05/2009 - Comments

LOS ANGELES, March 5 – What do California cities of East Los Angeles, City of Commerce and Covina have in common? They hold the distinction of being home to three of the top young fighters in the World today, Shawn Estrada, Javier Molina and John Molina, Jr. (no relation) respectively. All three cities will be well represented when each of these young men step into the ring at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE on Friday, March 27.

Before World heavyweight contenders Eddie Chambers and Samuel Peter take to the ring at Nokia, one local kid from Covina whose trainer has nicknamed the “Sledgehammer,” John Molina, Jr. and two standout members of the 2008 United States Olympic team, Estrada and Javier Molina, will provide their own form of fireworks, as the up-and-coming prospects look to steal the show from the big men.

John Molina (15-0, 11 KOs) brings a whole new meaning to the “entertainment business of boxing.” Old-school fighting mentality, power in both hands, witty as George Lopez, good looks that are a cross between Mario Lopez and Elvis (the one with sideburns) with the only thing missing is “The King’s” guitar. Molina wants only one thing when the bell rings: to finish his opponent off while thoroughly entertaining the fans. He’s pure excitement, with a lot of risk being exciting. This mentality has led the 26-year old jr. lightweight to a perfect pro boxing record, and after making his national television debut in February with a third round knockout of Joshua Allotey, the buzz about Molina is getting louder.

East LA’s Estrada, nicknamed “El Chamuko” (“The Monster”) goes for his third straight knockout victory against Ray Craig, in a 4-round super middleweight bout, and in a 4-round junior welterweight contest, we’ll see Javier Molina from City of Commerce making his professional boxing debut.

Goossen Tutor Promotions presents this marquee night of boxing and entertainment, which will be televised live on a special edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights beginning at 10 pm ET / 7 pm PT. The Chambers-Peter Heavyweight Bout is being promoted in association with Duva Boxing.

It will be the first ever boxing event staged from the world-class 7,100-seat Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, which is the centerpiece of L.A. LIVE, a 4-million square foot / $2.5 billion downtown Los Angeles sports, residential and entertainment district adjacent to STAPLES Center.

The 23-year old Estrada (2-0, 2 KOs) came out of nowhere to earn an Olympic berth for the 2008 Games. His inspiring story captivated fight fans, and once they got a chance to see him in the ring, they were hooked. After going 1-1 in the Olympics losing to the eventual Gold Medalist from England, Estrada turned pro on November 29, 2008 with a knockout of Lawrence Jones in one minute of the first round. His next opponent Shaun Spaid fared worse, lasting only 43 seconds. On March 27th, Estrada looks to make it three in a row. Standing in the Olympian’s way will be 27-year old Oakland product Ray Craig (5-4, 2 KOs), a hard-nosed veteran who will be shooting for the upset against the Olympian.

Included on this blockbuster undercard and the newest member of Goossen Tutor Promotions and a teammate of Estrada in Beijing, China is the 2008 US Olympian Javier Molina. Molina, who is often referred to as “El Intocable” (“The Untouchable”) is a talented 19 year old, already drawing rave reviews from boxing insiders who believe a world title is in his future. Molina comes from a fighting family that has seen his father, uncle, and older brother fight professionally, while his twin brother Oscar was a member of the Mexican Olympic team. On March 27th he begins his own fistic journey.

“Get used to hearing Molina, Estrada, Molina because I believe all three have the ability to become boxing’s next generation of stars and all are Los Angeles hometown heroes. They’re young, talented and best of all, they love to fight,” said promoter Dan Goossen.

Tickets priced at $100, $75, $50, and $25 are available tomorrow, Friday, March 6 online at ticketmaster.com, via Ticketmaster charge-by-phone lines at (213) 480-3232 or (714) 740-2000. Tickets are also available at the STAPLES Center Box Office. Monday-Saturday Event Days: 9:00 AM – ½ hour after event start. Non-Event Days: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Sunday Event Days: 10:00 AM – ½ hour after event start. Non-Event Days: Closed.