By Ryan Burton

Last year lightweight contender John Molina Jr. was in the running to face WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios on the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito undercard. Rios, who is regarded as the best lightweight in the world, ended up fighting John Murray in an exciting fight that he won via knockout.

It has been reported that HBO is interested in the two Mexican-American sluggers battling it out on March 3rd but that Rios' team isn't interested in the fight.

The March 3rd date has been reserved by HBO for Rios' next fight and is scheduled to take place at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.  With both fighters living in close proximity to Carson, the potential fight would probably do well at the gate.

BoxingScene.com caught up with Molina to confirm that talks have taken place and get his thoughts on once again being rejected by Team Rios.

"I want the fight. HBO wants the fight and my team said yes to the fight," stated Molina.

"Team Rios said no for the same reason they said no last time when they picked (John) Murray over me.  They know they can't win," he continued.

Molina is currently scheduled to face Marvin Quintero on February 17th but an HBO date would most likely scratch those plans.

Molina finished our conversation by saying that he is sick of hearing Rios say that he will fight anybody, anytime and hopes that Rios' will advise his team to accept the fight. 

He also wanted to remind Rios of their run in at the Cotto-Margarito LA press conference . The uninvited Goosen-Tutor promoted fighter reportedly went up to Rios and called him out before being escorted out by Top Rank officials.

"So now all I ask is this, please stop saying you will fight anybody because that's a lie. If I'm wrong then prove it and fight the one guy in the lightweight division who confronted you and called you out to make it the fight happen!" Exclaimed Molina.

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