Wilder (33-0-0, 32KOs), who is coming off a unanimous decision win against Bermane Stiverne at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada last January, dominated the fight from the first round, scoring at least three knockdowns in the earlier rounds to end the fight by knockout in the ninth round.
Wilder was way ahead in the scoring even before the fifth round knockdown. But Molina showed guts and heart as he made it difficult for Wilder to limit him to under four rounds. Wilder is known for knocking out his opponents inside four rounds.
“Molina showed guts & heart, but that right hand power from @BronzeBomber is going to be an issue for any heavyweight out there. Good finish,” said Paulie Malignaggi in his Twitter feed.
While Wilder is used to win fights under four rounds, he had gone down the stretch with Bermane Stiverne at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada last January to win the WBC heavyweight title. Read more.
“My last fight I proved to everyone what I was capable of. I can go 12 rounds and take a punch,” said Wilder, who injured his right hand in the victory. “I can be just as fresh in the 12th round as the first,” he added.
After the fight, Wilder talked about his right hand injury but glad that he passed the test.
“Wilder said he had some doubts about his right hand because of a previous injury, but he says his right hand passed the test.”
With his KO win, Wilder improved his career record to 34-0-0, 33 KOs.
