Aussie boxer Andrew Moloney 'the happiest man in the world' after world title win
Aussie Andrew Moloney has his wish – he is a world champion.
Moloney defeated Willibaldo Garcia in Tokoname, Japan to become the IBF super flyweight title holder in a moment that brought sheer emotion from the 35-year-old.
Andrew Moloney celebrates his victory. Abema/Instagram
Moloney dropped to his knees in joy when the majority decision was read out after the judges ruled it 115-113, 114-114, 115-113.
“I am the happiest man in the world,” Moloney said in his post-fight interview.
“There is not one person in the world happier than I am now.
“That was one tough fight but the sacrifices were worth it. I have given everything in this sport for 20 years. There was no way I could leave this ring without winning this world title.”
The three judges in Japan had Moloney winning five of the first six rounds before Garcia rose to the occasion.
However, the Aussie finished the final round aggressively which may have been the difference.
For Moloney, this was finally his redemption moment.
In June 2020 he had his first world title fight against Joshua Franco which he lost by unanimous decision.
Six months later the two had a rematch which was stopped in the second round due to a cut to Franco’s eye. That was ruled no contest due to an accidental headbutt. That decision was controversial due to the time it took for the call.
Since then, Moloney lost a WBO super flyweight title fight to Junto Nakatani and a WBC interim super flyweight title event against Pedro Guevara. Defeat in the latter was a controversial points decision, which led to the Aussie retiring.
He then backflipped.
Now he’s finally risen to the top and unbeaten American Jesse Rodriguez will be his next target for undisputed status.
