Rumors of Victor “Vicious” Ortiz finally facing arch nemesis Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios this year were officially put to rest Thursday afternoon as Premier Boxing Champions announced Ortiz’s return to the ring for the second time this year would be against former WBO international lightweight champion John Molina Jr.
The electrifying welterweight matchup will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Ca. and will be televised through FS1 and FOX Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Ortiz (32-6-3, 25 KOs) looks to put on an exciting show for fight fans by dominating Molina to eliminate the option of the fight going to the scorecards. Ortiz hopes to find redemption following his majority decision draw against Devon Alexander in February. Regardless of not always rising victorious in the outcome, the 31-year-old southpaw has been in the ring with well-known fighters such as Luis Collazo, Marcos Maidana, Josesito Lopez, Andre Berto, Lamont Peterson, and as everyone knows, Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Though often criticized for what fans call “lack of heart” for quitting on his most important fights, one can’t deny Ortiz delivers memorable spectacles whenever he steps in the ring. From broken jaws to amusing post-fight interviews as well as headbutts followed by knockouts, Ortiz is sure to put on a show you wouldn’t want to miss.
“We’ve known each other a long time and we’re both always in exciting battles, Ortiz said. “Fans should expect nothing less on September 30. I had a broken eye socket from an injury in the second round of the Alexander fight, but I’m feeling 100 percent now. I’m ready to take what is rightfully mine, and that’s another world title down the road. It’s going to be a way from round one and I can’t wait.”
Molina (30-7, 24 KOs) possesses similar tier opponents in his resume with names like Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner, Ruslan Provodniko, and Terence Crawford. Molina’s clash with Matthysse was one of his most memorable performances as both boxers pummeled each other for 11 competitive rounds sending each other to the canvas on various occasions. The bout concluded with Matthysse landing the final brutal punch that would knock out Molina in the championship rounds. The toe-to-toe battle was recognized as 2014’s fight of the year by the Boxing Writers Association of America.
Perhaps Molina’s most impressive win was against Provodnikov who he defeated by unanimous decision an exciting 12-round battle. Despite also not coming out victorious against top division champions, Molina still acquired ring experience which may significantly result to his favor in this upcoming fight. Coming off a fourth-round knockout victory against Ukranian southpaw Ivan Redkach last December, Molina feels confident he can summit Ortiz to the same punishment.
“I respect Victor and everything he’s accomplished in this game,” Molina said. “But I know that I have the tools to overcome everything he does. There is no way that I see this fight going the distance. It’s going to come down to heart and I’m going to be there until final bell.”
Tickets for this stacked TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports event go on sale August 24 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.com.
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