Super flyweight contender Andrew Moloney 25-3 (16) is looking to bounce back from his first knockout loss when he takes on once-beaten Filipino Judy Flores 13-1 (7) at the Pullman Hotel in Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia on Saturday night.
The 32-year-old Australian has had seven months to recover and rebuilt mentally and physically following his 12th round knockout loss to Japanese southpaw Junto Nakatani 26-0 (19).
In that bout for the vacant WBO 115-pound title Moloney was on the deck as early as the second round and again in the 11th before being laid out at 2:42 of the final round in what must be once of the contender for KO of the Year.
Moloney was trailing by large margins on all three judges’ scorecards at the time. It was easily his worst performance since turning pro eight year ago.
“I’m really eager to get back in the ring and put that last fight behind me,” former WBA interim titleholder Moloney told The Ring. “I’m looking to put on a really great performance and show that I am world class and I have what it takes to become world champion again.”
Flores, 25, is riding a three-fight win streak following his eight round decision loss to Antonio Nieves 20-4-2 (11) in his US debut in May last year.
“Flores is a good fighter,” Moloney said. “Unlike most Filipino fighters, Flores boxes off the back-foot and uses his feet a lot. He is a good fighter but that is what I wanted. I’m not interested in easy fights that don’t progress my career.”
Moloney will be headlining his first show at home in Australia for two years. That fight against Froilan Saludar 34-7-1 (24) took place in Sydney though rather than his hometown on Melbourne.
Last year he boxed twice in the Victorian capital on the undercard of the two fights between George Kambosos Jr and Devin Haney in their battle for the undisputed lightweight championship of the world.
While he was forced to share the spotlight on those cards, this fight will be the Andrew Moloney show.
“I love fighting in America but it’s also special to come back and fight at home,” Moloney said. “This is the first time in two-years I have headlined a show back home in front of my family and friends so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Moloney hasn’t given up on his dream of holding a world title at the same time as his twin brother Jason, who was crowned WBO bantamweight champ with a majority decision win over Vincent Astrolabio once week after Andrew’s loss to Nakatani.
“I really feel like an experienced fighter now,” Moloney said. “This will be my 30th pro fight. My plan for 2024 is to join my brother as world champion. I believe I have what it takes to become world champion again and I wouldn’t be boxing anymore if I didn’t.”
