MOLONEY NAMES TARGETS FOR BUMPER AUSSIE TITLE DEFENSE

Press Release: June 2, 2023  By Dragon Fire Boxing and Murray Wenzel/AAP -  A couple of free breakfasts and a family holiday to Yamba.

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

It's been a typically low-key homecoming for Australia's newest boxing world champion Jason Moloney.

But the 32-year-old WBO bantamweight belt holder expects that to change with legendary promoter Bob Arum backing the Australian's dream to defend his title - or win some more - in a blockbuster event on home soil.

"Some congratulations and a couple of free breakfasts at the cafe, but I haven't felt it hugely since getting back home," he told AAP of the fanfare while en route to his mini-vacation.

"I've been on the road for years in America and have been surprised by my profile in Japan.

"But it's only just beginning here and now I've got the belt ... I knew I had to achieve something big first.

"I grew up idolising Danny Green and saw how much the country loved him and that's something I'd love.

"I want to get the whole country excited about when I'm fighting next and filling stadiums."

Moloney (26-2) avoided a suspected fractured hand in his calculated majority points decision victory over Vincent Astrolabio in California last month.

Twin brother Andrew lost his own world title fight a week later in Las Vegas, brutally knocked out in the final seconds of the 12th round of his WBO super-flyweight world title bout by the formidable Junto Nakatani.

Andrew suffered a perforated eardrum but has returned to Australia without lingering injuries and keen to get back in the ring.

Top Rank boss Arum was ringside when Jeff Horn beat Manny Pacquiao at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium in 2017.

While only one of the brothers has returned as world champion, Arum still has designs on a Moloney double-header later this year with Melbourne and Gold Coast the early front-runners.

"Bob's all for it," Jason said.

"We sat down with him and he was the one that brought it up.

"If I'm looking to fight in September or October that'll work with Andrew."

Undisputed bantamweight king Naoya Inoue's move up a weight class has thrown Moloney's division wide open, with the Australian now rated No.1 ahead of Emmanuel Rodriguez by The Ring Magazine.

One round was the difference when the Puerto Rican beat Moloney for the IBF belt in 2018, with Rodriguez set to fight for that belt again in July.

Nonito Donaire is ranked third and has switched management since negotiations to fight Moloney for the WBC belt fell down earlier this year.

"If it was up to me I'd say Emmanuel Rodriguez," Moloney said of his desired next opponent.

"To get revenge and have three belts (WBO, The Ring, IBF) on the line, that's the most exciting fight for me at the minute.

"But we've been after Donaire too. I'll fight anyone in my division."

Shattered for his twin, Moloney is confident he still has at least five years left in his career to realise their shared dream.

"It just shows you what boxing is like at the top," he said.

"One week the highest of highs, the very next week the lowest of lows.

"But I plan on holding the belt for a long time and I'm still confident we can be champions at the same time."

 

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

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JASON MOLONEY VS NONITO DONAIRE COMING SOON

 

Press Release: December 16, 2022 – By Team Moloney – In light of the recent WBC convention, it appears that two of boxing's utmost gentleman may clash in early 2023.

Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing

 

 

 

Jason Moloney has been a mainstay on ESPN, after giving a balls to the wall performance against Naoya Inoue, which, if anything, increased his value in the 118 pound division; the all action Aussie had lined up four consecutive wins, inserting himself at the top of the WBC rankings.

 

 

 

Moloney, who has been managed by long term Oceania boxing guiding light Tony Tolj, now sits in a healthy position at the top of the WBC rankings.

 

 

 

Moloney opened up on his positioning with the WBC, “I’m very happy to be where I’m at in my career right now, and thank you to Tony (Tolj), Don (Majeski), Top Rank and of course the WBC for positioning me at the top of the rankings. I’m delighted to be in this position.

 

 

“2022 has been a good year, a year of improving and now I’m ready to finally achieve my goal of being a world champion, a following for the long list of great champions the WBC have had.”

 

 

 

Standing in the way of Moloney is the incomparable Filipino Flash, Nonito Donaire. A legend of the sport, Donaire is a future hall of famer, and despite two fights with the Monster, Naoya Inoue, Donaire still has aspirations to become world champion.

 

 

 

Moloney discussed a perspective showdown with the great Filipino champion.

 

 

 

The Australian stated, “It’s a dream to fight one of the best fighters of the past 3 decades. Donaire is one of the greatest of all time. Boxing is a gentleman’s sport, I come to do damage in a ring, but I have respect for my opponents and I can only ever say respectful things about Nonito.

 

 

 

“It’s more motivation, however, to be able to beat such a great fighter, who’s still shown he has plenty in the tank, it defines my legacy as a fighter and a champion. That’s the goal for any fighter, and I hopefully get to do that against Nonito Donaire.

 

 

 

“Stylistically this is a great fight. I’ve shown I have many different tricks up my sleeve, and Nonito is an adaptable fighter. This could be a boxing clinic or an all out war. I’m ready for both. You won’t want to miss it, rest assured 2023 will be the year of Mayhem.”

 

Material Courtesy of: Team Moloney/Photo Courtesy of: Mikey Williams Top Rank Boxing 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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Jason Moloney Eyeing Another Aussie Outing

Press Release: July 27, 2022 By Team Moloney –  Jason Moloney is hoping for a return to action in the coming months, as he continues his push towards a third world title attempt in 2022.

Credit: DiBella Entertainment

 

Moloney sits high in all of the world sanctioning bodies, and currently holds the WBC Silver and WBO international titles in the 118-pound division.

 

With a world title fight between lineal champion, and former Moloney foe Naoya Inoue being in negotiations to fight WBO world champion Paul Butler for all the belts, Moloney is left with a waiting game, as he waits to challenge the winner.

 

Moloney, who is promoted by Bob Arum's legendary Top Rank Promotions and is managed by Australian boxing architech Tony Tolj, discussed his ideals in the interim whilst he waits for the 118 world title picture to get cleared up.

 

'Mayhem' stated, "I want to become world champion, and I want to stay active, so something has got to give at the moment. If Inoue fights Butler, I just want to fight as I've always done, so I would love to feature on the second Haney vs Kambosos Jr card in Australia and continue pushing for that world title shot.

 

"I still have points to prove to myself and to the boxing world, and I know for a fact the Jason Moloney that boxed Naoya Inoue has improved so much since. Im in the gym always learning and improving, I wouldn't take anything away from Inoue, but I can tell you, that I've improved since and I'm ready to come of age and become a world champion and the next available opportunity.

 

"If Inoue and Butler don't fight, I'll fight Butler, simple. I'll travel to the UK to fight him, and I'll win. I'm not about games I come to fight." 

 

With Haney and Kambosos Jr rumored to take place in the final third of the year in Australia, Moloney opened up about his desires to feature on that card in a prominent fashion.

 

The Melbourne native said, "I'd love to fight on that card in my home town in some form against a big name. I've put on some good performances since the Inoue fight that I hope the officials at Top Rank have enjoyed, so I hope that puts me in line to fight quite high up the card.

 

"I've been positioned very well and I hold WBC and WBO titles currently and I'd want to defend them against a challenger that wants to fight because when a fighter stands and trades with me, I show how explosive I can be, and that's what I hope people watching enjoy to see."

Material Courtesy of: Team Moloney/Photo Courtesy of: DiBelka Entertainment Used with permission. 

 

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Jason Moloney Hits Number 1 In The WBC & WBO, Eyes Butler Clash, Willing To Fight On The Moon

Press Release: July 1,2022 By Team Moloney –  Australian Mayhem, Jason Moloney has landed himself at number 1 in the latest World Boxing Council & World Boxing Organizations ratings, with the hopes of a world title shot being imminent.  

Credit:Mikey Williams Top Rank Boxing 

In recent times, a former foe of Moloney, the pound-for-pound star Naoya Inoue put on a masterclass performance against the legendary Filipino Nonito Donaire, unifying the WBA, IBF, and WBC world titles. What is next for Inoue remains to be seen, however, Moloney doesn't want to hang around for the world title, as he gave his assessment on his future prospects. 

The all-action Aussie said, "I've been in with Naoya Inoue, he really is a pound-for-pound superstar. Not many people will get near him, even when he moves up in weight. I can't see anyone beating him right now.

"I am delighted to be ranked at number one in the WBC & WBO and thank you to my team. Tony Tolj, Top Rank, and of course a massive thank you to presidents Mr. Sulaiman of the WBC along with Mr "Paco" Varcarcel for ranking me as their number 1 bantamweight. It's a great honor to be ranked number 1 by the WBC & WBO, I'm very excited for what that holds for my future.

"I'm just thinking out loud in saying, it is common for a sanctioning body to create another world champion when there is a unified champion who is stepping into those mega fights. If that was the case I would love to fight for the world title next, but I'll leave it to my team to make the right moves for me."

Moloney also sits at the number position in the WBO ratings, with England's Paul Butler holding the WBO world title. Moloney discussed a possible showdown with Butler.

He said, "I'd love the Paul Butler fight. I respect Paul he's a very good fighter, but I win that fight every day of the week and the boxing world knows that. If that fight can be made that's great. I wouldn't stand in the way of a four-belt unification, of course, I respect the sport, but if Inoue-Butler can't be made I'll happily fight Butler next.

"I've shown I'll travel to fight anybody, I fought Emmanuel Rodriguez in Orlando, I fought Inoue in Vegas, it doesn't bother me, a ring is a ring. If Butler's team can facilitate the fight and don't choose to fight Inoue name the place I'll be there. If Top Rank facilitates it I'll fight on the moon if Bob Arum tells me to, I will be Australias next world champion."

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

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Jason Moloney vs Aston Palicte Acts As Chief Support To Kambosos-Haney In Melbourne, Australia

 

Press Release: May 27, 2022 By Team Moloney – Mayhem comes home, as Jason Moloney gets ready for the biggest stage of his career, as he defends his WBC silver and competes for the WBO international bantamweight strap against highly touted Aston Palicte.

Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing

 

Palicte has been on the world stage before, having controversially drawn with a great of the little big men, Donny Nietes back in 2018 at the Inglewood Forum in Los Angeles. The Filipino standout has since challenged another monster of the lower-weight classes, Kazuto Ioka for the Japanese warrior's world title.

 

Moloney weighed in on his highly-rated opponent on June 5 in his native Australia. 'Mayhem' said, "I'm really excited for this fight. Thank you to Top Rank, DiBella Entertainment, and my manager Tony Tolj for putting it together and getting me a great opportunity against a world-class fighter.

 

"Palicte is well known to anybody in the lower weight classes, he's exciting, he comes to win and he's handled himself with the best in the business. This is a real test against a top fighter and I have to come through this and look good in order to push for another world title shot, and I believe this fight is the quality of a world title fight.

 

"I'm not looking past Palicte, but he's a far better opponent than who Paul Butler boxed for his world title. Paul Butler won't want to fight me after this performance, we're going to have to force that fight to happen. I have the team that makes things happen and we will make that fight happen eventually unless he vacates." 

 

Moloney acts as chief support for the undisputed world lightweight title clash between George Kambosos Jr and Devin Haney. The all-action Aussie discussed featuring on the high profile showdown down under. 

 

The world-ranked bantamweight said, "Australia has been deserving of events of this size for years, and I'm delighted to be involved with such a massive event. It's a global event, and I can't wait to show my skills on a platform that is going to be watched worldwide, it's a massive opportunity. 

 

"The main event is a great fight, and it represents what boxing needs more, unified/undisputed champions. It really is the best fighting the best. I've fought the best at my weight class in Naoya Inoue, so have all the respect in the world for how good you have to be a unified world champion. It's elite-level competition that you can't miss if you're a boxing fan.

 

"I'm also sharing this card with my brother. We've shared cards before but this one is special, and I'm expecting two career-best Moloney performances." 

 

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

 

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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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JASON MOLONEY LOOKS TO MAKE IT THIRD TIME LUCKY IN WORLD TITLE TILT

 

Press Release: September 20, 2021 By Team Moloney – Australian Mayhem, Jason Moloney has his sights set on making it third time lucky on the world title front, worth the Top Rank standout sitting high in both the WBC and IBO world ratings.  

Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Boxing

 
 

Moloney impressed once again last time out, as he returned from a valiant effort against pound for pound star Naoya Inoue to dominate highly rated Josh Greer, winning the WBC world silver bantamweight title in the process.  

 
 

Moloney reflected on his last outing, where he traveled to the USA once more to challenge for the WBC strap.  

 
 

The Australian said, “I was happy with my performance against Greer. He is a tough fighter and came to win. We both had everything to lose in this fight, and I thought we both showed that in our performances. I felt the fans got a great fight and at the end of the day that’s what it’s about.  

 
 

“I thought I showed what level I’m at in my last fight, and that’s a level that’s good enough to become world champion. I’m highly ranked in the world now with the WBC and IBO, so I’m going to leave it to my manager Tony Tolj and Top Rank to make the next move for me, but I’m waiting to make it third time lucky in my world title shot.”  

 
 

Moloney sits in a lofty position with multiple sanctioning bodies, and the all action brother of former world champion Andrew Moloney discussed what he wants next.  

 
 

Jason said, “I’m not going to turn down any world title fight that comes my way, but I know how things currently are I may have to wait my turn. I’m good with that, I just want to be in entertaining fights and keep showing people that I have all the ability to be a world champion.  

 
 

“Obviously a fight with the current WBC Champion Nonito Donaire would be the dream, he’s a legend at the end of the day. He looks to be on a collision course with Casimero, but if that doesn’t happen I’d fight Donaire in a heartbeat. It would be an honor to share the ring with one of the best ever.” 

 

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

 

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JASON MOLONEY: I WANT THE BEST, LOVE TO FIGHT DONAIRE

 Press Release: June 3, 2021 By Dragon Fire Boxing – At 38-years-old, Donaire became the oldest bantamweight champion in boxing history Saturday night with a highlight reel fourth-round knockout of Nordine Oubaali to claim the WBC Bantamweight World Championship. 

Credit: Dragon Fire Boxing 

 

This marks Donaire's third reign as bantamweight champion of the world.

 

Don't talk with Nonito Donaire about Father Time. He simply refuses to acknowledge him. "The King has returned!" said Donaire after making boxing history at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

 

Donaire started unloading the heavy artilery in the third round when he caught and dropped Oubaali with a left hook with 46 seconds left in the frame. He then detonated that same left hook to drop Oubaali and become Champion of the World for a 9^th time through all the divisions.

 

One viewer with a vested interest was leading Bantamweight World Title Contender Australian Sensation Jason “Mayhem” Moloney.

 

The Aussie discussed his plans and Donaire’s historic Championship victory. 

 

“My training’s going very well. I’m always in the gym and I’m constantly making big improvements. 

I’ve been ready to fight for months now but unfortunately COVID made it extremely difficult for us to host our fights in Australia. I’m looking to fight asap. I can’t wait to get back in the ring, I’ve got a lot to prove and big goals that I know I will achieve.”

 

“Donaire’s performance against Oubaali was very impressive! 

 

I favoured Donaire leading into the fight but I did wonder whether Father Time might finally catch up to him, especially after an 18-month layoff but he was brilliant.” 

 

“Congratulations to Nonito on another fantastic win! I’ve got a lot of respect for Nonito and what he has achieved in his career.” 

 

“I always want to fight the best and take on the biggest challenges and I’d love the opportunity to fight the future hall of famer, I know it would be a sensational fight and it’s a fight I know I will win.”

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

 

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