The undercard of the WBC, WBO and IBF light heavyweight title defence of Artur Beterbiev 19-0 (19) against Callum Smith 29-1 (21) at Centre Videotron in Quebec City, Canada on January 13 will have a decidedly Australian feel.
WBO bantamweight champion Jason ‘Mayhem’ Moloney 26-2 (19) will made the first defence of his world championship when he takes on Saul ‘The Beast’ Sanchez 20-2 (12), while further down the card super middleweight contender Rohan Murdock 27-2 (19) will lock horns with Christian ‘Solide’ Mbilli 25-0 (21).
“Saul is coming off an impressive win against an undefeated opponent in Japan and I’m sure he will be hungry to fight for a world title, but this is my era, the era of ‘Mayhem’,” said Moloney, who claimed the vacant WBO strap with an impressive decision win over Vincent Astrolabio in Stockton, California in May.
“I achieved my dream of becoming world champion but 2024 is the year I prove I’m the best bantamweight in the world. I want a very active year and I plan to take out all the other champions.
“My mission is to become the undisputed champion, but first things first, an impressive knockout victory over Saul Sanchez. Canada, get ready for Mayhem!”
Los Angeles native Sanchez enters his first world title challenge riding a wave of momentum. After dropping a split decision to Eros Correa last June, Sanchez returned a year later to knock down Mexican puncher Franklin Gonzalez four times en route to a sixth-round stoppage victory.
Sanchez rode that momentum to an October assignment against Filipino southpaw RV Deniega in Japan, where he won an eight-round unanimous decision.
“I am excited about this opportunity,” Sanchez said. “I am going to come in the best shape I have ever been in to get the victory and become the new world champion.
“I want to thank my manager Nomaan Ali at GOAT Management for securing and presenting this opportunity. I have won back-to-back fights and I will be ready for this fight.”
Murdock has rebounded from his loss to Zach Parker in England three years ago with a trifecta of victories, including a decision win over hard-hitting Issac Hardman in March.
“I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to the challenge. I have been in enemy territory before and learned my lessons. I know what it takes to win at this level and on January 13, I will emerge victorious,” said Murdock.
IBF number nine ranked contender Murdock will have his work cut out for him against Mbilli, who is the WBC and WBA number one, IBF number three and WBO number six contender.
“Rohan Murdock is a quality opponent with a completely different style from my recent opponents. It will also be an opportunity to gain new fans before my crowning as a world champion,” Mbilli said.
“I look forward to starting training camp and can’t wait to be in Quebec on January 13 to wow the crowd!”
