TITLE: Honoring Eric Molina for his achievements in professional boxing.

SUMMARY: Honoring Eric Molina for his achievements in professional boxing.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Native Texan Eric Molina concluded his decorated career as a professional boxer in 2023, and his accomplishments in the ring are indeed deserving of recognition; and WHEREAS, The "Drummer Boy," as he is known to his fans, made his professional debut on March 17, 2007; despite losing that bout, Mr. Molina soon launched a triumphant run, emerging victorious in his next 18 fights; over the course of his 16 years as a professional, he captured the World Boxing Council Latino Championship in 2009, the WBC U.S. Heavyweight Championship in 2011, and the WBC North American Boxing Federation Heavyweight Championship in 2013; on June 13, 2015, he faced Deontay Wilder for the WBC World Heavyweight Championship in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and the following year, he earned another chance at the heavyweight belt against Anthony Joshua; after matching up against Simon Kean on March 23, 2023, in Montreal, Canada, he retired with a career record of 29 wins and 9 losses with 21 knockouts; and WHEREAS, The son of Ricardo and Debbie Molina, Eric Molina was born in Raymondville and raised in Sebastian; he graduated from Lyford High School in 2000 and went on to receive a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies and a master's degree in special education from The University of Texas at Brownsville; throughout much of his boxing career, he also worked as a special education teacher for the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District, and since 2019, he has served as the assistant director of the City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department; in all his endeavors, he benefits from the love and support of his wife, Yesenia; and WHEREAS, Eric Molina has proven himself a boxer of exceptional ability and unrelenting determination, and his brilliance in the ring will continue to be fondly remembered across the Lone Star State and beyond for many years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby honor Eric Molina for his achievements in professional boxing and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Molina as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Longoria Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1208 was adopted by the House on May 6, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House