Molina started his amateur career at age eighteen, amassing a 6–1 record before turning professional after only two years.
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 medalist Erislandy Lara to a disputed majority draw.
[2] 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 title.