NEW YORK: American boxer John Molina posted the biggest victory of his career Saturday night, upsetting Ruslan Provodnikov by a unanimous decision in a 12-round junior welterweight fight.
The two brawlers squared off in the centre of the ring for all 12 rounds but it was Molina’s ring expertise in the first half of the fight that allowed him to pile up enough points to hold on for the victory at the Turning Stone Casino, in Verona, New York.
“This was a fight we needed,” Molina said. “Ruslan is a very notable name. A tough guy. People don’t realize that I had my amateur career in the pros and now it is time for me to step out and shine.”
The 33-year-old Molina improved to 29-6, with 23 knockouts as he won the non-title contest by scores of 116-112, 117-111, 115-113.
Ex-junior welterweight champ Provodnikov was the favourite heading into the about and was fighting the first of a multi-fight contract he signed with Showtime cable network. It was the fifth loss of his career to go with 25 victories.
