Australian boxing star Jason Moloney is hoping to finally enjoy the “thrill” and “buzz” associated with winning a world title when he takes on Saul Sanchez on Sunday.
Moloney is, in fact, a world champion after beating Vincent Astrolabio in May last year to take home the WBO world bantamweight title.
Boxing: Moloney vs Sanchez and Beterbiev v Smith SUN 14th JAN 12PM AEDT | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
It was third time lucky for the 33-year-old having come up short in his previous attempts, losing a split decision against Emmanuel Rodriguez in 2018 and suffering a brutal KO loss at the hands of Japanese superstar Naoya Inoue in 2020.
One would expect Moloney to have been elated at finally ending his world title drought against Astrolabio, but an unfortunate fate for his brother, Andrew, put celebrations on hold.
Fighting just one week apart, Jason held up his end of the bargain but unfortunately for Andrew, he was on the wrong end of a sickening knockout by Junto Nakatani.
When asked by Main Event’s Ben Damon on whether he felt like he missed out on properly celebrating his world title triumph, Moloney’s answer was telling.
“Yeah, I did,” Moloney said.
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“And I know he (Andrew) feels bad about that. He’s not to blame, but obviously that last trip was all about doing the double.
“Team Moloney going away, fighting one week apart and both coming back world champions.
“There’s no doubt that him losing that fight really hurt and took away from the joy of my victory a little bit.
“I don’t hold that against him, but it does make me really want to make this one the moment that I’ve been working for for so long.
“You always dream of the moment of becoming world champion and the elation that comes with that. For me, I didn’t get that.”
Aside from his brother’s brutal defeat, Moloney also felt there were two other reasons as to why he didn’t feel on cloud nine after his crowning moment.
“But one I think is because I know I’m capable of more and that there is bigger things ahead and I can do more than just be a world champion,” Moloney said.
“I really believe that I’ve got what it takes to achieve more than what I have, which is what motivates me and inspires me every day to keep working hard, because I know there’s much more to come.
“But also the shift, I don’t know if it was the scorecards or the crowd booing, when I was announced the winner it was relief, a lot of relief, but it wasn’t the thrill, that buzz, that joy that I was really hoping for.
“Going out and defending this belt now and proving why I’m world champion and putting on a really spectacular performance, and it being all about me, I think that’s going to make this one really special and the moment I’ve been dreaming of my whole life.”
WHAT TIME DOES IT START?
Coverage of the event will kick off at 12pm (AEDT).
Australia’s own Jason Moloney is expected to make the walk to the ring at 1pm, but don’t switch off once that fight is done as fellow Aussie Rohan Murdock will be fighting right after.
HOW TO WATCH
Australian boxing fans can catch all the action LIVE on Main Event via Kayo Sports.
Want to order the event? Click here!
BETTING ODDS (VIA SPORTSBET)
Moloney enters his bout as a $1.27 favourite compared to his rival Saul Sanchez, who is a $4.25 underdog.
As for Murdock, he’s a major outsider at $8.25 while his rival Christian Mbilli is a heavy favourite at $1.10
TALE OF THE TAPE
Jason Moloney (AUS)
Record: 26-2 (19 KOs)
Age: 33
Height: 165cm
Last fight: Beat Vincent Astrolabio via MD (115-113, 116-112, 114-114) on May 13, 2023
Saul Sanchez
Record: 20-2 (12 KOs)
Age: 26
Height: 165cm
Last fight: Beat RV Deniega via UD (79-73 x 2, 78-74) on October 12, 2023
Rohan Murdock (AUS)
Record: 27-2 (19 KOs)
Age: 31
Height: 183cm
Last fight: Beat Issac Hardman via SD (97-92 x 2, 93-96) on March 12, 2023
Christian Mbilli
Record: 25-0 (21 KOs)
Age: 28
Height: 174cm
Last fight: Beat Demond Nicholson via KO in Round 4 on September 8, 2023
FULL FIGHT CARD
Callum Smith v Artur Beterbiev (c) — for IBF, WBC and WBO light heavyweight world titles
Christian Mbilli v Rohan Murdock — super middleweight
Jason Moloney (c) v Saul Sanchez — for WBO bantamweight world title
Joaquin Murrieta Lucio v Imam Khataev — light heavyweight
Elizabeth Espinoza v Leila Beaudoin — super featherweight
Jose Arias Alvarez v Wilkens Mathieu — super middleweight
Dragan Lepei v Mehmet Unal — light heavyweight
Sergio Herrera v Christopher Guerrero — welterweight
Victor Hugo Flores v Moreno Fendero — super middleweight
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