CORPUS CHRISTI -- With only days away from the biggest fight of Eric Molina’s career, the Lyford native stands ready and confident to step in the ring with Chris Arreola (34-2, 29 KO’s).  The two will face each other in a Heavyweight bout February 18^th in Corpus Christi at the American Bank Center as a part of Showtime Championship Boxing.  

Much is on the line for both fighters because the winner will receive a title shot against the undisputed Heavyweight Champion Wladimir Klitschko.  Molina (18-1, 14Ko’s), who is currently ranked number ten in the world, took the fight less than 5 weeks out and stayed in the Valley to work with trainer James Gogue and former Heavyweight boxing champion Oliver McCall. 

“I was in decent shape when I got the call for the fight, it was just a matter of sharpening up my technical skills,” said Molina. “My goal was to be ready one week before the fight and I’m there.  I feel stronger with both my left and my right hand.”

Arreola, the number one ranked Heavyweight in the world, knows what it’s like to have a high stakes fight as he lost to WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko in 2009.  Many are expecting Arreola to win this fight and use it as warm up for Wladimir Klitscho.

“I know I’m the underdog in this fight, but a lot of people are underestimating how smart and strong I am in the ring,” said Molina. “My team and I know we have a good chance at winning this one.”

Molina and his team have been studying Arreola and feel they have a game plan that will lead him to a victory. Gogue stressed the importance of defense and one other important thing that Molina must do to win this fight.

“He is going to have to get Arreola to respect him by hitting him hard right off the bat to let him know he means business,” said Gogue.  “Eric is also going to have to be able to weather the storm when Chris brings it on.”

With Arreola’s many fights and experience under his belt, Molina feels he has the advantage.

“We watched all his fights and studied his style there are no secrets about him,” said Molina. “I feel more prepared for this fight than anyone I’ve ever had.  I’m not scared, I have no worries, I have no anxieties and I’m really ready for this fight.”

Probably one of the main reasons for Molina’s confidence is the work that he has put in with McCall (56-11, 37 KO’s).   McCall, who has fought some of the best fighters in the business, brought defensive skills and hard hitting punches to the training camp and in their sparring as well.

“Working with Oliver was one of the best experiences of my career, said Molina.  “He taught me things that took my fighting to different levels.  I’m grateful to have worked with him; he’s a master of his craft.”

It has been quite a month and a lot has takien place since the contract was signed in January.  Everyone will find out which fighter is more prepared and who fight the World Champion after the win on Saturday.

“I don’t have anything to say to convince Chris I am not going to lose,” said Molina.  “Everything I have to say will be said in the ring that night.”