‘I still feel like I've got more to achieve in this sport’ Andrew Moloney sets his sights on World Championship glory

Press Release: December 12,  2024 By Lewis Moss and Dragon Fire Boxing  -

Credit: Dragon Fore Boxing 

This Sunday at the Melbourne Pavillion, Andrew Moloney looks to get back on track when he takes on the experienced Jakrawut Majungoen.

 

A win for the Aussie has the potential to open doors for the future, as he sets his sights on another world title.

 

In his last fight, Moloney was on the wrong end of a controversial decision at the hands of Pedro Guevara for the Interim WBC Super Flyweight title. The disappointment of this fight resulted in Molony announcing his retirement.

 

Moloney says that although the loss was a very tough pill to swallow, he has moved past that night as he looks to get back on the horse.

“I was extremely frustrated that night” Moloney said. “I really felt like everything we planned on doing in that fight went exactly to plan, I felt like I was in total control.

“My corner would basically tell me to keep doing what I was doing and I was very relieved at the end of the fight as I felt like things went my way.

“To have the decision read out as Guevara winning the fight, I was honestly just shocked.

“On that night, I announced that that would be my last fight. I'd had enough of giving everything to the sport and getting nothing back. Winning that fight for the interim world title would have opened up the doors to some really big fights for me.

“It was a pretty tough pill to swallow, it took a bit of time to move past and refocus on the future in the sport but here we are.

“This Sunday I get a chance to put that behind me and move forward with my career and hopefully open up the doors for some big fights in 2025.”

Going into his previous fight, Moloney revealed that he had torn his bicep nine days prior. During rehabilitation, his focus was a chance at redemption against his Mexican foe.

However, due to the urgent need for a unification fight, the WBC would not allow the rematch to go forward.

While looking at other pathways in the Super Flyweight division, Moloney and his management noticed a lot of movement, Particularly in two of the four sanctioning bodies. 

“I went through a pretty tough week to get to [the Guevara] fight after tearing my bicep around nine days out.” Moloney told.

“Throughout rehab, my whole motivation was to have a rematch with Guevara and my team were in talks with him to organize that rematch.

“Unfortunately, the WBC mandated that he fought for the full world title against Jesse Rodriguez, basically putting a halt on the rematch happening. [It] took a little bit of time to refocus my goals and work out what was next.

“Thankfully, there's been a little bit of movement in the division, particularly in the IBF and a little bit in the WBO as well, where it looks like I could potentially get a shot at a world title in the not too distant future.”

Moloney is ranked the eighth best Super Flyweight in the world by the IBF and seventh in the WBO, with the former having a lot more room for opportunity.

 

In the IBF, the title along with the first and second ranking positions are currently vacant. On the same day that Moloney makes his return, the third and fourth ranked Super Flyweights Willibaldo Garcia and Rene Calixto Bibiano fight each other for the IBF crown.

 

The Aussie says he has his eye on that match up, potentially facing the winner in the future.

“For me, I want to be in the big fights” Moloney told.

“I want to be fighting for world titles, my goal in this sport is to be world champion. I’m trying to plan and map out the fastest route to that and it looks to be the IBF.

“I've watched footage of [Willibaldo Garcia and Rene Calixto Bibiano] and I'm very confident that I have what it takes to beat either one of them, that’s definitely the route I'd like to go.

“I'm hoping that maybe after this fight that I'll be able to be in an eliminator for an IBF title shot, that is, if we can't get the winner of that title fight straight away.”

But before he can think about an eliminator fight, he needs to get past Jakrawut Majungoen, an experienced fighter in the Asian boxing scene.

Having already fought seven times this year and winning five of them by stoppage, the Thai fighter looks to be a good test for Moloney.

“He's a good fighter. He's very experienced” Moloney said.

“He had a very good fight against Daigo Higa quite a few years ago, he gave Higa a very hard fight so I've prepared well.”

“This is a must-win fight for me, so I've prepared very hard. I believe if I fight to my best ability, then I should win this fight no problem.

“But I have to make sure that I'm on my game and I perform at my best.”

Although Moloney has been at boxing’s highest level for a number of years, he is not quite satisfied with his career just yet.

With a world title on his mind, he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

“I really still feel like I've got more to achieve in this sport.” Moloney said.

“I've given my life to this sport for 20 years, I'm not satisfied with what I've achieved just yet.

“I really want to get my hands on at least one more world title, that's my complete focus at the moment.

“Hopefully with the way things move after this fight, it won't be too long before I'm back fighting for world titles and hopefully that's next year.”

Despite the disappointment in his last fight, Moloney looks rejuvenated and has a clear focus for the future. On fight night, Andrew will leave no stone unturned to stay on track and retain focus on his world title ambitions.

Material Courtesy of: Lewis Moss/Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing used with permission 

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Andrew Moloney is back and the new WBO Global Super flyweight champion

Press Release: December 12, 2023 By Team Moloney-  Former world champion Andrew Moloney is officially back in the winning column after making an easy work against Filipino Judy Flores in their  World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global super flyweight title bout on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Pullman Hotel in Albert Park City, Australia.

 

Credit: Team Moloney 

Moloney finished the 10-round regional title bout with a unanimous decision victory. Two of the judges saw the bout 100-90, while one judge had it 97-93, all in favor of Moloney who is the new WBO Global super flyweight champion.

His recent victory also improved the record of the 32-year-old Moloney to 26 wins, 16 knockouts and three defeats which was a convincing comeback from his defeat against Japanese Junto Nakatani for the WBO World super flyweight title in Las Vegas, United States. 

 

Meanwhile, Flores of Sanman Boxing Gym, who was accompanied by Nonito Donaire Sr. as his trainer, suffered his second defeat with 13 wins and seven knockouts.

Moloney controlled the majority of their 10-rounder bout. He utilized his speed, timing, and stiff jabs to force Flores to shift to defensive mode. 

 

Instead of backing down, Flores showed some fight and pressed forward in the following round, pinning Moloney numerous times against the ropes, but he received a warning from the referee for a low blow.

In the third round, Moloney came alive and answered Flores’s aggressiveness with combinations and continued to execute this kind of action in the ensuing rounds. 

 

Despite being behind in the scorecards, Flores fought on, targeting Moloney with body shots, but the Aussie ex-world champion walked through all of it. 

 

Moloney went on to dominate the last remaining rounds, despite receiving a warning also from the referee from an apparent low blow. 

 

Moloney stated “Flores was a tough opponent and I wanted a challenge and I promise everyone I will do everything possible to join my brother as World Champion is 2024”

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Team Moloney Used with permission.

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Rising Chilean Junior 'La Joya' Cruzat Talks Sparring Moloney Brothers, Chile National Title

Press Release: October 4, 2022 By Dragon Fire Boxing – Rising Chilean star Junior Cruzat is set for his Chilean national title fight on October 15, with the rising featherweight standout sharing a training base with brothers Andrew and Jason Moloney.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

Cruzat has spent a portion of his camp in Australia with the highly rated pair, and he discussed the lessons he's learnt working with both brothers who feature on the undercard of George Kambosos Jr vs Devin Haney.

Cruzat said, "You learn so much working with the Moloney brothers. They are both cool guys, but in the ring they can stun you with their talent. 

"Andrew Moloney is a high level boxer, he is an incredible talent, and he has so much skill with the jab. You learn a lot about your defence but different ways to use the jab from Andrew.

"Jason is ferocious, and comes forward with great inside movement. It's great for your defence, but he has a good variety and uses angles. So that was a great experience too."

Cruzat heads into his first championship fight, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of fellow Chilean Andres Campos who is also guided by Dragon Fire Boxing.

Junior opened up about his first title challenge, "I'm excited to be in my first title fight and I believe I'm ready for this now. Training in Australia has made me stone cold in the ring, and I'm going to put on the performance of my career.

"Whether I win by knockout or on points I'm going to be the next champion of Chile and that's the bottom line. I want to thank everybody at Dragon Fire Boxing for getting me this opportunity, and I'm sure it will be the first of many titles in my career."

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing  Used with permission. 

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Andrew Moloney Looks To Shine In Melbourne

Press Release: October 4, 2022 By Team Moloney – 

Andrew Moloney is ready for the test of Norbelto Jimenez, as the Aussie stylist continues to hunt down a fight with pound for pound star Kazuto Ioka.

Credit:Mikey Williams/ Top Rank Boxing 

Moloney impressed last time out, taking out Alexander Espinoza in two rounds on the undercard of Devin Haney and George Kambosos Jr in Melbourne, and now Moloney returns to the scene of the crime as he looks to continue his good form against Jimenez.

Moloney opened up about preparation going into his next outing, coming on the undercard of Devin Haney vs George Kambosos II.

Moloney said, “I’m excited to be back and to be back at home is always special. I won my first world title in Melbourne, so it will be always be a special place in my heart. Thank you once again to Top Rank and my manager Tony Tolj who’s never failed to have mine and my brothers back for our entire career. 

“You always find a different type of motivation when you’re at home, it’s a buzz being in front of your own people. I love fighting in Australia. I’ll fight anyone anywhere, I went to Chile a few years ago, but you can’t beat fighting in front of your friends and family.”

Moloney has held the WBA version of the world super flyweight crown, and has his sights set on a dream fight against Japanese legend Kazuto Ioka. The Gold Coast native discussed his ideals for a clash with Ioka down the line. 

Moloney stated, “I’ve been vocal about my desire to fight Ioka, and it’s entirely in a respectful manner. He’s a great champion, and legend of the sport, it would be an honor to share a ring with him. 

“My focus right now is on Jimenez on October 16, and then we’ll see where we go from there and I need to keep putting on quality performances to justify those claims and show the World, Andrew Moloney will be world champion again.”

Material Courtesy of: Team Moloney/ Photo Courtesy of: Mikey Williams Top Rank Boxing Used with permission. 

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved. 

Andrew Moloney Impressed By Ioka, Eyes New Years Eve Showdown In Japan Or Australia

 

Press Release: July 18, 2022 By Team Moloney – Andrew Moloney was as ever graceful as he watched Kazuto Ioka cruise to a unanimous decision victory over Donny Nietes this past week in Tokyo, Japan. 

Credit: Team Moloney

 

Ioka was dominant, as he continues to defy the laws of aging in boxing's lower weight classes.

 

Moloney gave his take on Ioka's performance in Japan, "Kazuto Ioka will go down as one of the greatest little big men of all time. There is no doubt about that. I have the utmost of respect for him, he is a great champion.

 

"He fought a great fight against Nietes, but to be slightly critical, I think both are them have slowed down a little. That is not meant in a disrespectful way, but that happens with age, you have to adapt, as Bernard Hopkins did. There were elements to Ioka's style that mirrored what he did as a light flyweight that I think could cause him issues against a bigger super flyweight such as myself."

 

As we enter into the final third of the year, the boxing eyes in the land of the rising sun begin to look to whom will box on New Year's Eve, with December 31 being one of boxing's biggest dates in Japanese boxing culture.

 

Moloney discussed his hopes of landing a fight on the prestigious date in the Japanese boxing calendar.

 

The former WBA world champion stated, "I'd love the opportunity to travel to Japan to fight Kazuto Ioka, that is a dream of a fighter in the lower weight classes such as myself. To headline in Tokyo on New Year's Eve would be something I'd dream of doing against such a great champion and then to become world champion again would be the icing on the cake.

 

"I do believe I'd beat Ioka, I believe I'm still getting better and showed that last time out. I would extend the invitation to Ioka to come over to Australia also, as Aussie boxing is booming right now and I fully believe the Australian boxing public would embrace a clash between myself and a legendary fighter in Ioka."

 

Material and Photo Courtesy of: Team Moloney Used with permission.

 

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Andrew Moloney Has Sights Set On All Super Flyweight World Champions

 Press Release: April 27, 2022 By Team Moloney – Australian Andrew Moloney WBA #5, WBO & WBC #6 returned in classy fashion this month, as the super flyweight standout emerged victorious on ESPN in his most recent US outing.

Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing

 

Moloney has held the WBA world 115lbs crown, with his most recent world title pugilistic disputes coming against Joshua Franco.

 

After a successful display in Southern California against GIlberto Mendoza this April, in which Moloney became the first boxer to stop Mendoza in 10 years. Moloney analyzed his own performance and the state of the 115 pound division.

 

Andrew , said, "I was delighted to get back in the ring on ESPN again, so thank you to Top Rank and my team headed up by Tony Tolj for getting me another opportunity on the world's biggest sports broadcaster.

 

"I was happy with my performance. I shook off some rust and showed that I was back to my best. This was what I really needed and I'm glad I got to put on a performance that justified why I am a former world champion. There is a lot left in the tank for me at super flyweight, and I believe I'm improving every day and learning and I showed that to everyone watching on ESPN."

 

Moving forward, the slightly lighter Moloney twin has his sights set on becoming world champion, with Japanese great Kazuto Ioka (WBO) at the top of his hit list.

 

The classy Australian opened up on the landscape of the 115lbs division. He stated, "The division is arguably the most underrated division in boxing today. There are so many quality fighters operating at super flyweight, it's exciting to be considered part of the elite of the division.

 

"Fighters like Estrada are dream fights. I wouldn't ever turn those down. Ioka is a dream fight for any boxing purist. He's an amazing fighter and a living legend. I would also like to fight newly crowned IBF Champion Fernando Martinez. With Australian boxing buzzing now, and big events coming to Australia, that's a dream fight I would want on a card featuring the likes of George Kambosos Jr and Devin Haney.

 

"If I have to go to Japan to challenge for the WBO belt, it would be my honor. Ioka is a great, but I believe I'm still improving and if the fight came around, Doesn't matter if its the WBO, WBA, IBF or WBC and if I have to go to Argentina, Mexico, America, England or Jupiter I will travel anywhere to become world champion again.

 

Andrew Moloney is always ready and always comes to fight, I will be World Champion again soon!"

 

Material Courtesy of: Team Moloney/Photo Courtesy of: Mikey Williams Top Rank Boxing Used with permission.

 

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ANDREW MOLONEY TRAINING CAMP QUOTES

 Press Release: November 23, 2021 By Team Moloney – Former World Champion Andrew Moloney 21-2 battles Philippines Froilan Saludar 32-4 live on FoxSports Australia, Thursday December 9^th from the Newcastle Entertainment Centre in Newcastle, New South Wales Australia. 

Credit: Team Moloney

 

Here is what Moloney had to say about his December 9^th Matchup and more from training camp in Australia;

 

On his recent training camp in Australia: 

 

My preparation for this fight has been excellent! I started training as soon as I landed back in Australia after my loss to Joshua Franco. 

I believe I have learnt a lot from that trilogy and I am extremely hungry to get back to the top and become World Champion again. 

 

There has been a big buzz in the gym with Bruno Tarimo and my brother Jason both preparing for World Title Eliminators and myself getting ready for December 9. We have all been pushing each other really hard and have had great sparring with each other as well as Sydney based Argentinian Emiliano Tissera. 

 

 

On the WBO/IBF title situation (Kazuto Ioka v Jerwin Ancajas rumoured for New Years in Japan):

 

This will be a great fight. It’s a fight I believe could go either way and certainly one I’ll be watching very closely. 

 

I’m really hope that I can get the opportunity to fight the winner of this fight sometime in 2022. 

 

 

On his opponent, Froilan Saludar:

 

Saludar is a dangerous opponent. He is very experienced and his losses have only come against very high-level fighters. 

 

He is explosive and has a long reach but I believe I will be adding another KO loss to his record. 

 

On fighting in his first back in Australia in over 2 years:

 

I am really excited to be fighting in Australia again for the first time in over 2 years. The fight will be shown live on Fox Sports in Australia and ESPN in America so I plan on making a statement, showing what I have learnt from my recent fights and putting on a devastating performance. 

 

 Material and Photo Courtesy of: Team Moloney Used with permission.

The Boxing Truth® is a registered trademark of Beau Denison All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

 

THE TALES OF BOXING'S QUARANTINE KING - AUSSIE BOXINGS TONY TOLJ

 

 Press Release: September 25, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing /Story By Chris Glover – Tony Tolj has experienced likely every challenge that global travelling has during the last two years, with his charges Andrew and Jason Moloney signing with global boxing leaders Top Rank just prior to the beginning of the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. 

Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing

The Moloney's have travelled back and forth to the USA for camps, culminating in fights with Joshua Franco, Josh Greer and the arguable pound for pound King Naoya Inoue. With Tolj based in Western Australia, and the Moloney's on Australia's Gold Coast, it hasn't been the easiest of tasks 

Tolj discussed some of the issues he's faced over the last two years. He said, "I've spent a total of just under 6 months in quarantine since the pandemic commenced. Human beings are social creatures, so keeping them locked up isn't good for their mental and physical health in general. The hardest part for me has been, being stuck in hotels with no ventilation and no fresh air for two week stretches.

"I live in Perth, Western Australia, so after doing two weeks in a hotel then I spend another two weeks at home which is very difficult. Two weeks isn’t too bad mentally but getting into week three and four is bad. I run a business, and I have to stay switched on for that. Nights begin to turn into days because you're not functioning as a human naturally so your sleeping goes everywhere. It's a complete nightmare, literally."

As previously stated, the Moloney brothers have been involved in some elite level clashes over the last 2 years, with Andrew Moloney having three fights with Joshua Franco for the WBA world super flyweight title being one of the most high profile contests in the lower weights globally. The Aussie boxing baron Tolj recollected the issues he faced during that fight from a travel standpoint.

Tolj said, "The worst stretch was after the disappointment of the phantom headbutt in Moloney Franco II fight. I then had to do two weeks in a hotel and two weeks at home. What's made it worse was the domestic borders were then open then, so I went back to Sydney a couple days later for Bruno Tarimo vs Paul Fleming which was a draw due to a head clash. Bruno was up on the cards prior to the stoppage. I was there for 4 days and then there was a COVID detection in Sydney's Northern beaches. So there was a lockdown then. I then went to the Gold Coast for another fight and there was another head clash but the fight continued and Ty Payne won. 

"After all that I went home and had to do another two weeks home quarantine where it is strictly enforced. So basically six weeks out of seven weeks was in some form of quarantine, and technically I was in seven of the eight weeks as I was in the bubble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It's torture for me right now, and I keep thinking of we are the champions by Queen in my head, I’ve done my sentence but committed no crime but after I get out of this quarantine I roll straight into Dragon Fire Boxing's Thunderdome 36 event at Metro City, Perth. No more sad stories hopefully, just proper ones!"

Material Courtesy of: Dragon Fire Boxing/ Story By Chris Glover/ Photo Courtesy of: Mikey Williams/ Top Rank Boxing Used with permission.

 

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Andrew Moloney Weighs In On Potential Ioka Clash, Manager Tolj Adds

 Press Release: September 9, 2021 By Team Moloney – Andrew Moloney is already eyeing another showdown for the world title, as he sets his sights on Japanese legend Kazuto Ioka.  

Credit: John Worsfold

 

Ioka recently made another successful of his WBO world crown, which is his fourth defense of the belt that made him a four weight world champion. 

 

Ioka was made to work for his victory against the very game Mexican Francisco Rodriguez Jr. 

 

Moloney gave his thoughts on Ioka’s defense and weighed in on a potential clash between the pair.

 

“I watched the Ioka fight and thought it was a close fight. I thought Rodriguez started the fight well but Ioka finished stronger and was landing the cleaner punches through out the last half of the fight. 

 

“I would absolutely love the opportunity to fight Ioka. Ioka is a legend of the lighter weights, a 4 division world champion and a future hall of famer but its a fight I truly believe I can win. I really hope we can make this fight happen as soon as possible. 

 

“A win over Ioka would be huge for my career so that’s the fight I want and I will be doing everything I can to make it happen. If that means traveling to Japan to fight him I am happy to do that. I have nothing but respect for the great champion, and I would love to challenge for his title.” 

 

Moloney’s manager, Australian boxing baron Tony Tolj gave his thoughts on a perspective showdown between two of the best super flyweights on the planet. 

 

Tolj said, “I really like this fight not just for Andrew but as a boxing fan. Andrew has admitted he has worked hard and learned a lot from his experiences in the USA, and this is a fight that really gets the interest of the proper boxing fans especially in the likes of Australia and Japan, who understand the skills of the fighters in the lighter weights. 

 

“For me Ioka is a legend. An amazing fighter. Our team have all the respect in the world for him. Respectfully, Team Moloney would like to challenge him for his title, as we believe this would be a great fight, especially in Japan. Andrew and his brother Jason have showed they are not scared to travel, and we look forward to hopefully making this fight in the future.” 

 

Material Courtesy of: Team Moloney/Photo Courtesy of: John Worsfold Used with permission.

 

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Andrew Moloney Eyes Route Straight Back To World Titles, Wants Ioka vs Rodriguez Jr Winner

 Press Release: August 30, 2021 By Team Moloney –  Andrew Moloney isn’t holding back in his career, as the Aussie is determined to become a two time world champion in the not so distant future.  

Credit: Mikey Williams/ Top Rank, Inc.

 

Moloney has been known to travel the world and never take the easy route. Having traveled to Glasgow to win the Commonwealth Games in 2014, all the way to defending his world title in the United States as a pro. The Australian has never mapped out easy routes, and already has his sights set on a route back to being a world champion. 

 

The Aussie opened up about his recent trips to the United States and reflected on the positives going forward from his previous experiences. 

 

Moloney said, “I’m obviously disappointed to not come back to Australia as world champion, however, I’m happy I’ve gained experience and I’m understanding where I’ve made mistakes and where I can improve as a fighter. That excites me going forward and gives me the confidence that I can become a two time world champion and possibly a multiple weight world champion in the future. 

 

“Boxing is all about learning and improving. I feel I’ve got a lot of improvements to make. I have a great team behind me who are pushing me on and I feel that I am more driven than ever to want to get back to the gym and improve on my skills and I believe by doing that I will 100% become champion of the world again.” 

 

A tasty 115lbs fight that is on the horizon is the contest between WBO champion Kazuta Ioka and Francisco Rodriguez Jr. Moloney discussed the possibilities of challenging for the WBO version of the 115 pound strap in the future. 

 

He said, “I would love to fight the winner of Ioka and Rodriguez. This is a good fight and I do expect Ioka to emerge victoriously. I’ve proven I will travel anywhere to fight anybody, so traveling to Japan or America again to fight Ioka would be fine by me. 

 

“Ioka is a great champion and I respect him. His only losses have come in elite class against the likes of Donny Nietes. I believe I’m in that class and I’m still very fresh. Myself and Ioka would be a real fight that boxing fans would love, so right now that would be my focus, to get a fight like Ioka straight away. I’m not in boxing for easy fights, I’m in boxing to be the best.”

 

Material Courtesy of Team Moloney / Photo Courtesy of Mikey Williams Top Rank, Inc. Used with permission.

 

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