Carlos Molina: I am bring everything I have to this fight, I’m coming to win

(Foto: Archivo)

This coming Saturday March 31st, former IBF super welterweight champion Carlos Molina will be facing up and coming prospect Josh Kelly (5-0, 4 KO ) on the undercard of Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker. Molina will be stepping into the ring with a huge advantage in experience, having faced and beaten top tier fighters like Ishe Smith, Cory Spinks and Kermit Cintron. Molina also has two draws against Erislandy Lara and Chavez Jr., in fights many believe should have gone in his favor.

However, boxing is a demanding sport that always asks, what have you done for me lately? and coming off two consecutive losses, Molina needs a victory on Saturday to get himself back in title contention. Here’s what the former champ had to say about his upcoming bout with Kelly.

-Carlos, I read in a press release that you watched videos of your opponent. For those of that haven’t seen him fight before, can you break down his fighting style and what you perceive to be his strengths and weakness for us?

Kelly depends on his reflexes, with hands down he uses his legs and head movements as his defense . Few fighters can successfully use this style when facing skilled opposition . His weakness is going to be when he is being pressured and forced to put his hands up or going into a shell . I see other weakness but I’m keeping that to myself, I intend on capitalizing on these flaws when we meet in the ring.

-The experience difference is huge. Do you think they are underestimating you or do you think they are just really confident in their guy? And what did you think when you were told you were being matched with a guy with only 5 fights?

Matching a fighter with only 5 pro fights with a seasoned veteran is risky any way you look at . I think they are both confident in their fighter and underestimating me . My last two fights weren’t my best performances I lost two close decisions in the home town of my opponents and I can see why they may feel they can beat me. I have been an underdog in most of my fights, underestimated by most its nothing new .

-Carlos, you are coming into this fight with a 2 fight losing streak, for those of us that did not watch those fights, can you tell us what went wrong in them, and what are you doing different or improving in this camp to get a win.

Any fighter coming off of two losses needs to reevaluate and that is exactly what I did .

Both fights were close decision losses. first in the Dominican republic and the second in Paris France. Despite reports I was dominated which are untrue, Those fights were razor close. I saw after those fights I was coming up short only by a hair and I knew I could go back to the gym and makeup the difference. I knew I could make the changes that would get me the win next time .

I moved my training to my birthplace of Patzcuaro Michoacan. A beautiful peaceful town of 100,000 people settled between the mountains in the heart of Mexico. This was right after the earthquake that hit Mexico City in October where I lived with my wife and son. It was a stressful time for my family . I found new life after we moved . I was able to clear my head focus on making the necessary changes in my training . It started slow with early morning runs up the mountains only a mile from my house . Every time I ran I was feeling more energized and motivated . I started working out around Patzcuaro in several different gyms . I got comfortable and was able to get into a training groove feeling like I felt when I won the IBF championship. I returned to the training program I had followed in Chicago with trainer Victor Mateo , and my boxing began to fall back into place. I’m finally feeling like myself again inside and outside of the ring . That is why I know I can win this fight.

-You are going to be fighting in a huge card in Cardiff, how do you visualize the crowd will be on fight night, and how do you visualize the fight playing out?

On before the fight I won’t see the crowd . It’s going to be me and him in that ring and nothing else. My focus will be on one thing and that is to dominate .

I see the fight being a fast paced barn burner ending with my hand being raised in victory . I see myself looking out into the crowd who is there to see all the other fights and they are thrilled they got into the arena early to see this incredible fight .

-In the main event, Anthony Joshua and Joseph Park will be facing each other… Huge fight for the boxing community. Who do you see winning fight and how do you see it playing out?

I think its it’s a tough one to call AJ has all the makings of a super star he is very strong and athletic but there is the question of his stamina and durability . If he gets through Parker I think he will answer those questions because he has a formidable adversary in Parker who can box really well .

I do know Joshua vs Parker is going to be a great fight an possibly the most important heavyweight fight to happen this year .

-Lastly, a message for all your fans reading this interview…

To everyone reading this and who watch me fight March 31st, know I am bring everything I have to this fight . I’m coming to win . I’m not an opponent I am a former world champion who fought the toughest opposition my decision had to offer and came out on top , and I am still that beast except smarter and stronger .

King Carlos Molina and Josh Kelly collide at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff for the WBA International Welterweight title live on Sky Sports Box Office.