John Molina Jr. vs Dannie Williams NABO Lightweight Title
Early on a gun shy John Molina Jr. was being outboxed by Dannie Williams in the main event of ESPN Friday Night Fights at the Pueblo Pavilion in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After being knocked out in just 46 seconds in the first title fight of his career in his last outing Molina, was extremely hesitant the first three rounds against Williams.
This was the first fight Molina has taken since pairing with new trainer Robert Garcia. “I gotta follow his strict commands and it was to feel him out.” said the Covina, California native Molina of his demur.
“He was a little patient,” said Garcia. “It’s his first fight back since his loss and his first fight with me so that makes a little difference. I still give him a good grade.”
It was in the fourth round with a swift over the top righthand that Molina was able to put his name back in the title contention hunt. The punch near the ropes dropped Williams who was so disoriented that he did not realize that as he stood to answer referees Rocky Burkes ring count that he was on the opposite side of them.
“He was leaning more to his right side every time I jabbed him,” said Molina. “Robert told me ‘double up and finish with the right hand’ so we did and it capitalized.”
It was the first time in his career that Williams had been stopped.
John Molina Post Fight Interview
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Robert Garcia (Trainer) Post Fight Interview
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In the co-main event of the evening, Sacramento’s top prospect Brandon Gonzales lured Don Mouton into an inside battle for much of the fight. Gonzales would occasionally take advantage of his height and arm length advantage and fight beautifully from the outside.
The Californian worked the body for the majority of the eight round fight but was urged by his trainer Virgil Hunter in the final round to elevate his punches to Mouton’s head.
A competitive Mouton did not throw enough to threaten a victory but did land some huge hooks on Gonzales whenever the prospect would close the distance.
“I could have dominated a little more from the outside,” said Gonzales. “We made the adjustments during the fight and made the fight a little harder than it had to be.”
Brandon Gonzales vs. Don Mouton (Gonzales Post Fight Interview)
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Holmes Wins Debut at Home (Brandon Holmes vs. Abelardo Esparza)
Brandon Holmes defeats Abelardo Esparza
In the first televised bout of the evening, Brandon Holmes demonstrated good poise and defensive skill as he stopped Abelardo Esperza by stopping him in the fourth round. In a battle of two debutants it was Holmes that displayed the better technical skill. Esparza had his moments with huge hooks that at time got him in trouble allowing Holmes to attack right up the middle.
Slicker Marquez Gets Test From Griffin
(Archie Ray Marquez vs Rynell Griffin)
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Demonstrating new found conditioning and footwork Albuquerque’s Archie Ray Marquez received a test from a tough Rynell Griffin. The two men traded blows which drew appreciation from the fans that remained after the televised portion of the ESPN card. Ultimately, it would be Marquez’s slick movement and punching from angles that would give him the nod from all three judges.
Coca-Gallegos Wins For First Time (Michael Coca Gallegos vs Alejandro Hernandez)
Looking for his first win in his 11th attempt Michael Coca-Gallegos found it by easily by stopping debutant Alejandro Hernandez in the first bout of the card. Coca-Gallegos landed a straight right that sent Hernandez flying into the ropes forcing the referee to issue an eight-count. Coca-Gallegos followed up by unleashing a flurry of punches that sent Hernandez stumbling across the ring in retreat. The referee would jump in to end the contest and give Coca-Gallegos
Main Event
John Molina Jr. (25-2, 20KOs) def. Dannie Williams (22-3, 18KOs) via 4th rd TKO 02:16.
Co Main Event
Brandon Gonzales (17-0, 10KOs) def. Don Mouton (12-4-1, 10KOs) via UD (78-75, 77-75 x2)
Local Card
Archie Ray Marquez (14-2, 8KOs) def. Rynell Griffin (6-12-3, 2KOs) via UD (58-56 x2, 59-55)
Eduardo Dominguez (1-0) def. Joshua Montoya (0-2) via UD (39-37 x2, 40-36)
Brandon Holmes (1-0, 1KO) def. Abelardo Esparza (0-1) via 4th rd TKO 00:36.
Cecilia Renova (1-0) def. Amberly Trujillo (0-1) via UD (40-36 x 3)
Michael Coca Gallegos (1-10-1, 1KO) def. Alejandro Hernandez (0-1) via 1st rd TKO 01:11.