Moloney brothers roll dice in trilogy decider
KINGSCLIFF boxing champion Andrew Moloney will roll the dice on a rematch with American Joshua Franco as he prepares to take to the ring to fight for the WBA world super flyweight title.
It will be the third and final instalment of a trilogy that has gripped boxing fans around the world and caused enormous controversy.
Moloney lost the first bout between the pair in June but he looked in the box seat to reclaim the title before a bizarre set of decisions cost him the chance to return to Australia a champion.
Now, he will travel back to America to finish the job.
KINGSCLIFF boxing champion Andrew Moloney’s long wait for justice comes to an end in August when he meets American Joshua Franco for the WBA world super flyweight title in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The trilogy bout at the Hard Rock Hotel And Casino on August 14 (August 15 AEST) will settle the biggest boxing controversy in 2020.
In November, Andrew was looking to reclaim his WBA super flyweight title against Franco in Las Vegas after earlier losing the belt to the American in June. What transpired was a judging debacle that even defied boxing’s penchant for bizarre decisions.
The fight was stopped in the third due to swelling around Franco’s right eye and after reviewing video footage for almost 30 minutes, officials decided the damage was caused by a headbutt in the first round and ruled the fight a no contest.
But an entire global television audience disputed the mystery headbutt with Andrew dominating the fight with footage clearly showing his jab doing the damage. Despite international condemnation, the Nevada Athletic Commission refused to reverse the decision. The NAC will not oversee the fight in Tulsa.
“He has been walking around for eight months with the belt knowing he doesn’t deserve to have it,” Andrew said of Franco.
“I know he knows deep down there wasn’t a head clash and he shouldn’t be the champion at the moment.
“I’m expecting he will be very determined to get the win, but I know I want it more than he does.”
The 30-year-old Moloney boasts a record of 21 wins with 14 knockouts and one loss, which was against Franco in their first bout.
Franco’s record stands at 17 wins with eight knockouts and one loss.
Both fighters have not fought since their Las Vegas battle and despite his team’s best efforts, Moloney could not get the third bout in Australia.
But in the current Covid restrictions throwing uncertainty over any event in Australia, Andrew will gladly fly to the US for the fight.
“It’s disappointing not to have it in Australia in front of a home crowd as we’ve now travelled twice to America to fight,” he said.
“But looking at the way things are at the moment in Australia we’re probably lucky we didn’t get it here. Having the fight cancelled at the last minute is the last thing I want, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to go over there and get the job done.”
Andrew fights out of Chinderah where he trains with twin brother Jason under the guidance of Angelo Hyder and Tony Nobbs.
He will headline the Top Rank promotion in Tulsa with Jason fighting American Joshua Greer on the undercard in a bantamweight bout
It will be Jason’s first fight since October when he suffered a seventhround stoppage loss to world bantamweight champion Japanese powerhouse Naoya Inoue in Las Vegas.
Jason was scheduled to fight Greer in April last year just as Covid shut down all sport, but their fight in August is a chance for the Australian to move back into a mandatory challenger position with victory. Greer is ranked No.4 by the WBO, while Jason sits at No.7 in the WBC, No.9 in the WBA and No.10 in the IBF.
Greer featured on the same card as Andrew in November, but came away with a draw against Puerto Rican Edwin Rodriguez.
Jason has 21 wins with 18 knockouts and two losses while Greer boasts 22 wins with 12 knockouts, two losses and two draws.
“We’re both world rated in the top 10 so there is a lot at stake as a win will put me back in the mix for a world title, which is what I want,” Jason said.
“It’s been a long break since the loss, but I’m lucky that Andrew and I are always in the gym.
“I’ve also had time to reflect on the loss and after being in with the best I know what I need to do to get better.”
The pair fly out next week to spend four weeks preparing in Las Vegas before heading to Tulsa.
He has been walking around for eight months with the belt knowing he doesn’t deserve to have it
Andrew Moloney