Carlos Molina is a taking bold step amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The former junior middleweight titleholder is planning to stage a televised four-bout boxing card without spectators in Patzcuaro – a town between Guadalajara and Mexico City – on May 23, ESPN Deportes is reporting.
Molina says he is taking all necessary precautions to protect participants. That includes himself: He is scheduled to fight Michel Munoz in a 10-round welterweight main event.
“The function will be in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, where the authorities have given me their support as long as all the participants’ health and safety details are taken care of,” Molina said. “We will test fighters and trainers to detect the coronavirus, and the event will not take place before the public.
“The plan is, that at the time of the event, there are no more than 20 people in the place among boxers, trainers, doctors and judges.”
Molina said it’s important to “go on with life.”
“I am aware of the coronavirus problem,” he said. “This is real, but we also have to go on with life, we have to find a job and my job is boxing, as a boxer and promoter. I explained the plan to the authorities in Patzcuaro and I think it is very feasible.
“As a boxer I always dreamed of being a champion and I did it. Now, as a promoter, I want to make my mark and at the same time give the fighters a job.”
Molina, who was born in Patzcuaro but has lived in Chicago, said he will provide more details in the coming days.
“I think boxing behind closed doors is a good option, at least for now, as long as conditions allow and under strict control of sanitation and supervision of the participants,” Molina said. “… That’s what was requested by the municipal president of Patzcuaro, Víctor Baez.”