Bantamweight contender Jason ‘Mayhem’ Moloney 21-2 (18) is keen to get back in the winners’ circle following his seventh-round knockout loss to WBA and IBF champion Naoya ‘The Monster’ Inoue 20-0 (17) in Las Vegas last October.
The 30-year-old Australian gave a good account of himself but was ultimately overpowered and outgunned by the pound-for-pound level fighter.
“I’m still very disappointed in the result of the fight,” Jason told The Ring. “Inoue is an exceptional fighter and deservedly top three pound-for-pound, so it was always going to be a huge task, but I honestly believed I was capable of beating him.
“I went out and put it all on the line and was caught by a perfect right hand. I tried my best to get up, but I couldn’t beat the count.
“I’ve got no regrets. I’m proud to have stepped up to the challenge when very few people would, but I’m still very disappointed because I know that I did not fight at my best.
“I’m sure that I will learn a lot from this fight, and I look forward to coming back better and stronger this year.”
With French southpaw Nordine Oubaali 17-0 (12) holding the WBC belt and Filipino power-puncher John Riel Casimero 30-4 (21) in possession of the WBO strap, there are still other pathways to a world championship available to Moloney.
“My goal for 2021 is to become world champion,” The Ring number seven ranked bantamweight said. “Anything less than that and I will be very disappointed. I’m willing to do whatever it takes and will fight anyone in the division to make that happen.”
Moloney’s longtime manager Tony Tolj is currently canvassing all opportunities.
“I’m working hard to get Jason right into top contention once again,” Tolj said. “He’s proved he is elite, he made me very proud, fought a pound-for-pound great [and just] got caught.
“Jason is an inspirational fighter who leaves no stone unturned to achieve his lifelong dream. I spent over three months of 2020 in some form of quarantine. If I have to do six months in quarantine, I will do anything it takes, everything in my power to help Jason Moloney become the bantamweight champion of the world in 2021.”
