TOKONAME, Japan -- Australia's Andrew Moloney scored the biggest win of his boxing career Saturday evening, dismantling Willibaldo Garcia to become the IBF super flyweight champion of the world and put himself in the frame to fight unbeaten American superstar Jesse Rodriguez for undisputed status in the 115 pound division.
The 35-year-old fighter out of Kingscliff, New South Wales, revealed earlier in the week he rejected a lucrative US$250,000 step aside package from Matchroom Boxing earlier in the year, and his decision to chase belts instead of dollars was vindicated over 12 rounds at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname. Moloney absorbed everything the aggressive, yet stylistically awkward Garcia threw at him and overcome cuts above both eyes to win the title fight by majority decision (115-113, 114-114, 115-113).
When the judges' verdict was revealed, an emotional Moloney dropped to his knees and covered his face with his hands. He then picked up his new belt, draped it over his left shoulder, and climbed the ropes with his fists pointing skyward.
"I am the happiest man in the world," said a delighted Moloney in the ring. "There is not one person in the world happier than I am now! That was one tough fight. I have given everything in this sport for 20 years. There was no way I could leave this ring without winning this world title. I did this for my family."
There was clear intent from Moloney to not allow Garcia to control the in-tight battles, where the Mexican has done so much of his damage in recent fights. He displayed masterful technique and footwork throughout, countering with repeated rapid-fire shots to the title holder's body and occasionally slipping a jab threw to catch his chin.
While a date with WBO, WBA, WBC title holder Rodriguez will now be on his mind, Moloney may need to first defend his belt against Sikho Nqothole of South Africa, who became mandatory IBF challenger after his upset win over Charlie Edwards in London last weekend. There could also be a push to have a rematch with Garcia, given the evenness of the contest.
Full undercard for 3150 FIGHT vol.10 in Tokoname, Japan:
Andrew Moloney def. Willibaldo Garcia for the IBF world super flyweight title
Masamichi Yabuki (19-4) vs. Rene Calixto (24-1-1) for the IBF world flyweight title
Luis Nery (37-2) vs. John Riel Casimero (35-5-1)
Michael Angeletti def. Kenneth Llover by unanimous decision
Nurzhigit Dyushebaev def. Seiya Meguro by fourth round TKO
Aoi Yokoyama def. Vince Paras by unanimous decision
Shuri Oka (7-1) vs. Adilet Kachkynbekov (1-1)
Follow all of the fight night action in Tokoname, Japan live with ESPN: