Last Saturday night in front of a sold out crowd at Mooncussers, SPI, Cavazos Boxing and RGV Harley Davidson presented History WBC Latino Title Belt Fight. Lyford's Eric Molina now (12-1, 10 KOs). Eric took on Laredo's Gabriel Holguin (now 25-7) for the right to advance into the top 30 WBC Cruiser weight division.

Thousands of bikers invaded SPI on 2009 Bikerfest weekend, but all eyes were on Lyford's Eric Molina. Molina, the valley's steady performer and Texas Crusier weight champion disappointed no one on this marvelous night in the outdoors by the bay. The champ was at it again, much to the delight of a capacity crowd that cheered unceasingly for our champ. 3,500 saw the fight. Molina's opponent from the streets of Laredo, had never been floored in all of his prior fights. His five losses were by close decisions.

However, in the later stages of the 9th round, all of the punches thrown by Molina started to take their toll on the challenger. Eric found his niche and unloaded all he could muster on this worthy opponent.

Judges rulled it 98-92, 99-91 and 99-91, Molina.

I asked Eric if he had studied his opponent very well because the crowd believed that Gabriel would not be a worthy challenge inspite of his impressive fight record, 25-6. Molina answered, "I told you and everybody that works for the press that Holguin was a strong foe. He had never been floored and he was a tough fighter." Eric added, "I knew exactly what to do. I had to tire him out and extend the match in order to be victorious."

When you put everything into perspective, Molina is a great warrior. He also wanted to thank everybody from the valley especially Willacy Co. who showed up to support him this past Saturday night.

Fans, who only know Eric Molina from his in-the-ring persona, frequently experienced shock when they learn of his gentle, caring nature.

In the 9th episode, Molina staggered Holguin and he went to the canvas, however the ref called it a slip and fall. On his way down Gabriel grabbed Molina and dragged him down with him. Both tangled on the ropes. Molina said, "I hit him so bad yet he refused to go down. He took all I had. He is a great fighter."

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