The 31 year-old shared eleven tough rounds with the rugged Argentinian until being stopped by referee Pat Russell, but gave hard-hitting Matthysse one of his sternest tests to prove he was what it takes to operate at world level.
“My last fight with Matthysse was definitely a great fight. Matthysse was looked at as this monster in the division and I was this newcomer coming into the division,” said Molina.
“Although I’ve been in the boxing game for a while, my name has barely reached the accolades of such fighters as Matthysse.
“I haven’t felt any ill effects from the [Matthysse] fight except for the bad taste in my mouth. The competitor in me wants to come out victorious in each fight. Physically, I feel very strong and prepared going into this next fight.
“The stage is set for this fight and we will be a great appetizer for everyone to enjoy leading up to the main event.”
Standing opposite the American on fight night will be the experienced Soto, a Mexican with 75 fights and numerous world titles under his belt, statistics that Molina is respectful of – but not fearful as the fight looms.
“I have seen many of Soto’s previous fights. He is a seasoned veteran and a hell of a fighter. Believe it or not, when I first turned pro he was already at the top tier of the game and was the main event at a fight of mine.
“When I walked into the room I was like ‘wow that’s Humberto Soto’, but it shows that I have paid my dues and to me he is like any other fighter once I step into the ring,” stated Molina.
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