Inside Molina’s Camp

André Ward (18-0, 12 KOs) faces Edison Miranda (32-3, 28 KOs) in a highly anticipated main event on Saturday, May 16 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif. The undercard features unbeaten 2008 U.S. Olympian Shawn Estrada, fast-rising junior lightweight prospect John Molina, Jr., and 2000 U.S. Olympic Games silver medalist Ricardo Williams.

MyBoxingFans takes you behind the scenes as John Molina Jr., (16-0, 12 KOs) of Covina, Calif., gets ready to face the tough and talented veteran Frankie Archuleta (25-6-1, 14 KOs) of New Mexico in an eight-round lightweight encounter which is the most dangerous fight of Molina’s young career.

“He definitely comes with lots of experience, he has fought lots of great fighters, but I am younger and stronger, I think its going to be a learning experience for me,” stated Molina during our interview. ” I am ready. I am not going to take any thing from Archuleta, but…”

What can you tell us about your trainer Joe Goosen, a Boxing Hall of Famer?

“Its like a dream come true, he commands and directs you. He has trained some great guys like Gabriel Ruelas, Michael Nunn, Shane Mosley, Joel Casamayor and Diego “Chico” Corrales. I feel great to be part of his team. Training is going right on schedule and I feel good.”

You have a perfect record if you win on May 16, is there any particular boxer you would like to fight next?

“To be honest, its up to my promoter. Right now I am still learning but by the end of the year I should be in a position were I could call out someone.”

“My plans are to fight at 130 and I think I could accomplish a lot in this weight class, the sky is the limit. I think with Joe and my promoters I should be able to accomplish a lot.”

This will be the third time you have been the co main event…

“Its going to be a great night of boxing, we got a great under card. Its going to be a step up for all of us. We have some great stuff lined up right now and with the great team I have, I should be ok.”

What is your prediction for May 16?

“Well… my last fight I threw over 137 punches in the first round and we still had 30 seconds left, Joe is all about output. I love to fight inside and that’s what you’re going to see. Your definitely going to see fireworks, I am confident I will come out victorious.”

The event which will originate from the home of the Golden State Warriors is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Antonio Leonard Productions. The Ward-Miranda bout will be presented in association with Seminole Warriors Boxing.

Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. PT with the first non-televised fight scheduled for 5 p.m.

Tickets, priced at $125, $75, $50 and $25, are on sale at the Oracle Box Office (Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; it is closed Sunday) or online through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or through Ticketmaster Outlets at the following outlet partners: select Macy’s stores and select Ritmo Latino stores.

All Photos by Raymond Rodriguez

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