Molina KO’s Greeley

McALLEN — Weslaco's Eric Molina had only one thing to say after his dominating first round knockout win over Anthony Greeley in Saturday night's main event at the Harley Davidson shop, as part of the Budweiser Boxing Series.

"I want what's mine and that is the Texas Cruiserweight championship title belt," said Molina. "I beat the current champion (Robbie McClimans) last December and deserve another shot. However, I was promised my Osvaldo Martinez, the guy I was supposed to fight tonight, that he would win the belt and give me my shot."

Molina (6-1, 6 KO's) caught Greeley with an uppercut early in the first, knocking the Louisiana native to a knee. Greeley rose up before the count, but was squinting from his left eye. Then, Molina connected with a straight right and Greeley hit the canvas for the second time. Even though Greeley beat the count, the referee stopped the fight with 2:38 in the first.

"I caught him with an uppercut and with a right hand after that," said Molina. "I knew it was a hard punch because I felt it."
Greeley, who fell to 7-28-3, said that his eye affected him after the first knockdown.

"After he hit me with the uppercut and I went down the first time, I could not see after that," said Greeley.

The most exciting bout of the night was the co-main event in which Weslaco's Omar Molano and San Antonio's Gilbert Elizondo fought to a majority draw. Both fighters exchanged some heavy blows and went toe-to-toe through their six-round contest.

In other action, Weslaco's Omar Figueroa Jr. made quite a splash in his pro debut as he laid out Brownsville's Edwin Espinoza with a devastating first round knockout. Figueroa nailed Espinoza with an overhand right, sending him crashing to the ground 25 seconds into the fight.

The referee stopped the fight and the ringside doctor and paramedics had to come into the ring to check on the status of Espinoza. However, Espinoza (0-2) was able to walk away on his own power.

"I waited until he came inside on me and took advantage of it and connected," said Figueroa Jr. "Tonight's experience was awesome and one I will never forget."

Weslaco's Manuel Lopez (4-2, 3 KO's) made his triumphant return after a 17-month lay-off and defeated San Antonio's Joseph Rios (3-3, KO) by a unanimous decision.

McAllen's Maria Salinas won her pro debut as she scored a split decision victory over San Antonio's Stephanie Gonzales, who was also making her pro debut.

San Antonio's Jesse Ortiz (4-8-2) won the opening bout of the night as he scored a first round knockout over San Antonio's Ramiro Torres (3-12-1).

Promoter Anthony Cavazos was ecstatic with the turnout Saturday night.

"We had almost 3,000 people here tonight and everyone seemed to have a great time," said Cavazos. "The fights were great and I couldn't be happier."