Andrew Moloney Defies Retirement Calls, Eyes World Title Shot in the Midst of Australian Boxing Resurgence

 

Andrew Moloney not yet done

Andrew Moloney remains undeterred by calls, both internal and external, to retire from boxing, positioning himself on the precipice of another shot at a world title amidst the fervent resurgence of Australian boxing.

Top Rank, Moloney's American promoter, is advocating for a showdown between the former WBA super flyweight champion and Japanese sensation Kosei Tanaka. The proposed bout is slated for May 12 on the George Kambosos-Vasiliy Lomachenko card in Perth, contingent on Tanaka's victory over Christian Bacasegua in Tokyo this Saturday for the vacant WBO belt.

Currently ranked as the No.3 WBO contender, Moloney is optimistic that the allure of the Perth event will entice Tanaka to step out of Japan, providing him with a platform to enhance his global presence through an Australian defense.

In his last world title bout in May, Moloney suffered a punishing final-round knockout at the hands of Junto Nakatani in Las Vegas. Despite facing recommendations from both keyboard critics and close associates to retire, Moloney rebounded with a victory over Judy Flores in December, renewing discussions about his future in the sport.

"After a loss and KO like that, it feels like the world's going to end," the 33-year-old acknowledged. "But I've got more to give, and it just made me more determined. Another world title shot seemed a world away, but it could come in less than 12 months."

Having secured the Commonwealth Games championship in 2014, Moloney has consistently ranked among Australia's top professionals since his international debut in 2019. His twin brother, Jason, who claimed the WBO bantamweight title a week before Andrew's Vegas defeat, could potentially headline his own event, possibly in Japan.

The Australian boxing scene is currently ablaze with talent, featuring names like Tim Tsyzu, Michael Zerafa, Jai Opetaia, and the potentially upcoming Liam Paro. Moloney believes that his brother's recent successful defense and Rohan Murdock's impressive performance in Canada have garnered attention from promoters worldwide.

"Australian boxing is flying; we could have six or seven men's world champs by the end of the year. That's absolutely insane. Things have changed; we can be a powerhouse," Moloney asserted, underlining the transformative shift in perception toward Australian boxing on the global stage.