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Why odd fit John Molina Jr. belongs in NBC's boxing series

LAS VEGAS – At the inaugural Premier Boxing Champions news conference in New York, one name stood out as out of place among the others.

It was no shock that Adrien Broner would be involved in the first primetime boxing match on NBC since 1985. Nor was it all that much of a surprise that Keith Thurman and Robert Guerrero would square off.

Boxers Adrien Broner (L) and John Molina Jr. pose during a news conference for the Premier Boxing Champions. (AP)
Boxers Adrien Broner (L) and John Molina Jr. pose during a news conference for the Premier Boxing Champions. (AP)

And then came the name "John Molina Jr." and it was like, "Huh?"

Is this the same Molina (27-5, 22 KOs) who lost his last two bouts?

Is this the same guy who had lost every round to Mickey Bey before a stunning final-minute knockout?

Is this the guy who was knocked out in the first round of a lightweight title fight by Antonio DeMarco, and is it the same guy who has lost four of his last seven and could easily have lost five of his last seven were it not for that haymaker against Bey?

Yes, he's one and the same.

But it speaks to progress in the industry that there wasn't much grumbling among those in the know about his inclusion on the card.

Oh, Molina, who faces Broner (29-1, 22 KOs) on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden in a card to be broadcast live in primetime on NBC, heard plenty of sniping about his record from fans on the Internet, who didn't really look past his recent results.

Those in the know, however, saw a guy who, while admittedly a big underdog, will push Broner like few would push him. One of the most important things about fights returning to network television is that they need to be compelling, and Molina will no doubt make it compelling.

For as long as he lasts, he'll push the pace and make Broner work. Broner is the vastly more talented guy, but as we saw when he faced Marcos Maidana, the more talented guy doesn't always win.

Hockey coaches often use the saying, "Talent won't beat hard work if the talent doesn't work hard," and that's also true in boxing.

There are two truths about the Broner-Molina match: Broner is one of the most physically gifted fighters in the sport, and Molina is one of its gutsiest, hardest workers.

Humberto Soto (L) has the advantage vs. John Molina Jr. during their junior welterweight fight. (USA TODAY Sports)
Humberto Soto (L) has the advantage vs. John Molina Jr. during their junior welterweight fight. (USA TODAY Sports)

Molina, 32, has heard those who have sounded off about his spot on the card, and to that, he simply asks them to watch with an open mind.

"People are going to say what they're going to say, but the reality is that the people have fallen in love with my style given the fact that I took the scenic route to get where I'm at," Molina said. "I didn't have those accolades and the amateur career others have had. I didn't turn pro until I was 24, so I definitely took a while to get to this plateau, this level, if you will. At the same time, I've left it all in the ring. I plan on leaving it in the ring every time I go in there.

"Boxing's provided for my family and has gotten me everything I have to show for today, so I'll never disrespect boxing or spit in its face because of what it's provided for my family. I'm a family man and I take that very seriously. I believe the true fans of mine know what they're going to get [Saturday]. They know I'm bringing everything to the table."

Boxing is often a triumph of the spirit. Even for the most talented of fighters, it doesn't come easy. It requires a reach deep into the soul, and it's not for the faint of heart.

Guys with speed and timing and athleticism like Broner don't get there without sacrificing, without overcoming great obstacles.

But sometimes when guys hit the top – and Broner hasn't hit the top, even though he certainly acts as if he's done so – they coast a bit and don't push the way they once had.

That's what opens the possibilities for a guy like Molina. Molina will expose if Broner's taken the easy way out, if he hasn't tortured himself in the build-up.

John Molina, top, knocks down Lucas Matthysse during the fifth round. (AP)
John Molina, top, knocks down Lucas Matthysse during the fifth round. (AP)

Broner at his best against Molina at his best would be no contest. But Molina's only hope is to be all blood and guts and pressure and intensity, and hope he lands something and catches Broner.

He knows that and he plans to show it to the biggest potential audience who's ever watched him fight.

"If you look back at the old-time fighters, the zero in the losses were not there and losses were to be expected because you had the best fighting the best," Molina said. "We don't go out there anticipating to lose. We go out there to put it all on the table. I want to fight.

"If the fans are going to pay their hard-earned money to watch me fight, I'm going to give them a fight. A win over Adrien Broner erases any hiccups that we've had in our career thus far. That's how big of a name Adrien Broner brings to the table, and I can respect that. But at the same time, we're out there to be victorious, give the fans a treat and leave it all on the table."