Moloney eyes unification bout in Japan to join Australian boxing elite

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

Andrew Moloney is in talks to fight South Africa's Ricardo Malajika in Tokyo to unify their super flyweight titles.

Andrew Moloney, the IBF super flyweight champion, is in talks with Teiken Promotions for a unification bout against South Africa's WBC title-holder Ricardo Malajika in Tokyo before year's end. The proposed fight would see both fighters put their belts on the line.

Moloney won his first full world title earlier this year by beating Willibaldo Garcia in Japan on his Japanese debut. A unification victory would see him join an exclusive group of Australian boxing greats including Lionel Rose, Kostya Tsyzu, Daniel Geale and George Kambosos Jnr.

Moloney said the prospect of holding multiple belts would be significant for his career. 'Having the IBF belt on one shoulder and WBC on the other would be an unreal feeling,' he said. 'There's not too many in the history of Australian boxing to do it ... it puts you into the very top of the top.' Moloney expressed confidence he can defeat Malajika, saying he did not think the South African won his tight title fight against Tomoya Tsuboi.

Moloney is also considering a lucrative offer to defend his belt in Ghana, but is prioritising the unification opportunity. He will join his twin brother Jason at a Thailand fight camp later this month if negotiations progress as expected.

How it is being reported

• Aussie champ closes in on chance to join boxing greatsAndrew Moloney's team are deep in talks to unify his world title in a Japanese return that would see him join an exclusive Australian boxing club.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 03:46
• Aussie champ closes in on chance to join boxing greatsAndrew Moloney's team are deep in talks to unify his world title in a Japanese return that would see him join an exclusive Australian boxing club.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 03:46

In this story: Andrew Moloney · Ricardo Malajika · Teiken Promotions · Tokyo · South Africa · Australia

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