After having faced three consecutive marginal fringe contenders in his previous three title defenses, Molina represented a step up in competition for De La Hoya with Molina offering his opinion that cable network HBO, who exclusively broadcast De La Hoya's fights had "pressured Oscar to get an opponent with a name and a record."

"[2] The featured undercard bout featured James Toney, in his first fight since suffering his first professional loss at the hands of Roy Jones Jr., taking on undefeated light heavyweight prospect (and De La Hoya's 1992 Olympic teammate) Montell Griffin.

Griffin made use of his left hook and good movement to keep his Toney off balance and prevent him from land any counterpunches.

The fight went the full 12 rounds, judge Duane Ford scored it even 114–114 while Bill Graham had it 115–113 and Art Lurie 116–112 both in favour of Griffin.

De La Hoya's victory over Molina would officially set up a shot at his first major world title against IBF lightweight champion Rafael Ruelas.