Molina started his amateur career at age eighteen, amassing a 6–1 record before turing professional after only two years.
Professional career
In December, 2005, Molina fought the undefeated Julio César Chávez, Jr. to a controversial draw, a fight which many observers felt Molina won. In February 2006, he lost to Chavez in a rematch by a six round majority decision. This bout was held at The Aladdin in Las Vegas, Nevada. Molina then lost another majority decision, this time to Mike Alvarado, before scoring 9 consecutive wins, including a unanimous decision victory over Danny Perez for the WBO NABO light middleweight title. However, he would remain inactive for the following year and a half after a dispute with his promoter Don King. On March 25, 2011, Molina fought undefeated Olympic gold medalistErislandy Lara to a disputed majority draw — another fight which those at ringside thought Molina deserved. The final scores were 97-93 for Molina and 95-95 on the two other scorecards. Molina then scored a TKO victory over Allen Conyers. In his next fight, Molina upset former world champion Kermit Cintron, on Showtime. On the undercard of the Floyd Mayweather-Canelo Alvarez superfight, on September 14, 2013, Molina defeated Ishe Smith by split decision to win the IBF Junior Middleweight Championship. He was scheduled to make his first defense of the title against Jermall Charlo on March 8, 2014, but was arrested and jailed just days before the fight for failing to register as a sex offender, then released from jail and deported for a second time as an illegal immigrant in a plea to avoid 10 years in prison for re-entering after deportation. Molina had been charged and pled guilty to second degreesexual assault committed as an 18 year old with a 15 year old and he never subsequently registered as a sex offender as required. He also had a previous disorderly conduct charge and warrant issued in 2005 and was in possession of a voter ID card when deported the second time. Molina is currently signed to Warriors Boxing Promotions and managed by Al Haymon.
