Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Andrew Moloney became IBF super flyweight world champion after beating Mexican titleholder Willibaldo Garcia by majority decision in a 12-round fight in Aichi, Japan.
The 35-year-old Australian won 115-113, 114-114, 115-113 after turning down almost $350,000 to step aside, choosing instead to fight for the belt at a much smaller payday.
For more boxing news, read Liam Paro Set For Brisbane Title Test As Lewis Crocker Arrives Confident.
Moloney Survives Tough Title Fight
Moloney was cut above his left eye in the second round after an accidental head clash, but he stayed composed and kept working Garcia’s body.
The former Commonwealth Games champion avoided the wider shots from Garcia and boxed with patience across the championship rounds.
“I am the happiest man in the world,” Moloney said in the ring after joining cruiserweight Jai Opetaia as one of Australia’s current male world boxing champions.
“There is not one person in the world happier than I am now.
“I have given everything in this sport for 20 years. There was no way I could leave this ring without winning this world title.”
Sacrifice Pays Off For Australian Boxer
Moloney first fought as an amateur in 2008 and turned professional in 2014.
His win completes a major comeback after he briefly quit boxing two years ago following a controversial loss in Perth, before returning with two victories to earn another world title chance.
Moloney spent the month before the fight sleeping at his trainer’s gym, away from family, friends and his business to stay locked in on the contest.
The victory also keeps alive the dream of Andrew Moloney and twin brother Jason Moloney, a former bantamweight world champion, holding world titles at the same time. Official boxing title updates are available through the International Boxing Federation.