Here's your fight size boxing update for October 2, 2019:
- The latest episode of "THE RISE: Claressa Shields," can be seen at the top of the page.
- Former world title challenger John Molina Jr. has retired after suffering a TKO loss to Josesito Lopez on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Shawn Porter PPV card back on September 28. Molina, who retires with a 30-9 pro record, once challenged for the WBC lightweight and unified WBO and WBC junior welterweight titles. Here is a statement Molina sent out to ESPN:
“There comes a time in every fighter’s career when he has to be honest with himself. I must say it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to decide ... but I’m afraid this career has run its course. It’s now time for me to enjoy the time with my beautiful family. I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the fans, friends and family who have supported me throughout this 13-year career. I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to live my dreams and provide a great life for my family doing it.”
- The WBC will look to order David Benavidez to defend his super middleweight title against mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim next. Yildirim was essentially promised a shot at the title after the controversial ending to his fight against Anthony Dirrell in February.
- Starting with October 2, Top Rank will post the following fights to watch for free on its official YouTube channel to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:
- Erik Morales vs. Marco Antonio Barrera I (October 2)
- Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Manny Pacquiao IV (October 4)
- Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah (October 7)
- Oscar De La Hoya vs. Fernando Vargas (October 9)
- Roberto Duran vs. Davey Moore (October 11)
- Top Rank announced Joshua Greer Jr. vs. Antonio Nieves will be the co-feature bout to the Shakur Stevenson vs. Joet Gonzalez fight for the WBO super featherweight title on October 26. Mikaela Mayer vs. Alejandra Zamora will headline the ESPN+ undercard before the ESPN+ main card.
- Speaking of the undercard for the October 26 Top Rank, here are the rest of the fights announced:
- Albert Bell vs. Frank De Alba
- Andy Vences vs. Mark Bernaldez
- Jason Sanchez vs. Adeilson Dos Santos
- Tyler McCreary vs. Matt Conway
- Xander Zayas vs. TBA
- Jared Anderson vs. Daniel Infante
- JJ Mariano vs. Trinity Lopez
- Diego Elizondo vs. Jose Ceja
- Shortly after the EBU announced Josh Kelly as the mandatory challenger to the welterweight title being held by David Avanesyan, the EBU has now imposed a purse bid date of October 16.
