By Carlos Arias

LOS ANGELES --- John Molina is relishing his role as the underdog when he takes on Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC Continental Americas light-welterweight title on Saturday at StubHub Center in Carson on Showtime.

"I've never been the favorite," said Molina at Westside Boxing Club. "I think I was born with the odds against me.

"Look at Matthysse. What more to say? He's the No. 1-rated junior-welterweight in the world. He's a heavy hitter. Proven. His last 10 fights he's fought against top-10 competition. His ratio is very well. He only had a loss against Danny Garcia, who is the linear man at 140 (pounds). He's coming to prove a statement, so our job is to go in there and stop that."

Molina said he has learned from the ups and downs in his career and it's made him a stronger fighter.

"It does motivate you," Molina said of being the underdog. "You gotta remember I didn't have the extensive amateur career. I had 22 amateur fights. To get to this stage in my career I had to learn on the job. I've experienced the peaks and the valleys. It's been no secret. I've grown in the media and the public eye. I've experienced the good things and the bad things boxing has to offer. With that being said, everything has come full circle. I feel like I'm ready to make my run."

Contact Carlos Arias on Twitter @PunchyMcGee.