Bantamweight contender Jason ‘Mayhem’ Moloney 22-2 (18) is targeting another world title shot following his 10-round unanimous decision victory over highly-regarded Joshua Greer Jr 22-3-2 (12) in Tulsa, Oklahoma last month.
Moloney’s two losses have both come in world title fights. Three years ago he came painfully close to defeating then-IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez 19-2 (12) in the quarterfinals of the World Boxing Super Series, losing a split decision in Orlando, Florida after finishing the fight strongly.
The victory for Rodriguez earned the Puerto Rican a shot at Japanese powerhouse Naoya Inoue 21-0 (18). He lasted less than two rounds.
Moloney got his shot at Inoue too, losing by seventh-round stoppage in Las Vegas a year ago. He lasted longer than any other opponent of Inoue’s past eight opponents with the exception of Nonito Donaire 41-6 (27).
Now ranked in the top 10 of all four major sanctioning body – including number two in the WBC where the evergreen Donaire reigns as champ – the 30-year-old Australian is hoping the third time will be a charm.
“I was happy with my performance against Greer. He is a tough fighter and came to win,” Moloney said.
“We both had everything to lose in this fight and I thought we both showed that in our performances. I felt the fans got a great fight and at the end of the day that’s what it’s about.
“I thought I showed what level I’m at in my last fight and that’s a level that’s good enough to become world champion.
“I’m highly ranked in the world now with the WBC and IBO so I’m going to leave it to my manager Tony Tolj and Top Rank to make the next move for me, but I’m waiting to make it third time lucky in my world title shot.”
Filipino Nonito Donaire, 38, restated his claim as one of the best bantamweight in the world with his thrilling 12-round decision loss to WBA and IBF boss Inoue in Japan in November 2019. It was a close and competitive fight throughout with The Ring awarding the bout their Fight of the Year.
Donaire backed up this performance with a four round destruction of previously undefeated Frenchman and then-WBC champion Nordine Oubaali 17-1 (12) in Carson, California this past May.
Moloney sees Donaire as a viable option in his bid to become world champion.
“I’m not going to turn down any world title fight that comes my way, but I know how things currently are I may have to wait my turn,” he said.
“I’m good with that, I just want to be in entertaining fights and keep showing people that I have all the ability to be a world champion.
“Obviously a fight with the current WBC champion Nonito Donaire would be the dream, he’s a legend at the end of the day.
“He looks to be on a collision course with [WBO champion John Riel] Casimero, but if that doesn’t happen I’d fight Donaire in a heartbeat.
“It would be an honour to share the ring with one of the best ever.”
