Boxer Jason Moloney becomes Australia’s newest world champion in huge upset over Vincent Astrolabio
Boxer Jason Moloney stuns fight fans by becoming Australia’s newest world champion in massive upset – as US hall of fame fighter says judges tried to rob Down Under’s underdog
- Jason Moloney stuns fans to win world boxing title
- Underdog seemed to easily outsmart the opponent
- Boxing legend says the judge tried to rob Moloney
Jason Moloney put in a slick performance to become Australia’s newest world champion boxer with a points victory over Filipino Vincent Astrolabio in Stockton, California – but the American public wasn’t happy.
The 32-year-old dominated the fight for the vacant WBO bantamweight title with his left punch and movement, rarely allowing his powerful opponent to land anything significant.
Moloney appeared to have won the fight comfortably, but one judge scored the fight 114-114, while the other two gave him a 115-113 and 116-112 lead.
Hall of Fame fighter Timothy Bradley was furious when the scorecards were announced and saw one of the judges tie the fight.
“They tried to rob him!” exclaimed Bradley on ESPN.
Jason Moloney stunned the boxing world with his victory over powerful Filipino Vincent Astrolabio on Sunday
The 32-year-old (right, landed a right hand on Vincent Astrolabio) rode to victory — even though one of the judges tied the bout and the California crowd booed the result
Moloney was heavily booed by the audience afterwards – which Bradley said was unnecessary.
“They can boo all they want, but you’re a champion, young man,” he said.
“You are a champion.”
Boxing legend Andre Ward was very impressed with the Aussie’s performance
“This was beautiful, brilliant work from Moloney,” Ward said of commentary.
“This was a shutout performance, I believe, for Jason Moloney.
“I have no doubt that he won this fight. I don’t see how the judges can take this away from him. There was a clear winner here and that was Jason Moloney.’
The few times Astrolabio managed to land, the Aussie did a great job of tying him down.
The Filipino was rarely able to support Moloney, who put up a smart, disciplined fight.
In two previous world title attempts, Moloney lost a controversial split decision to IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez in 2018 and was stopped in seven rounds in 2020 by IBF and WBA title holder Naoya Inoue.
Hall of Fame fighter Timothy Bradley was shocked by the judge who scored the fight a draw, stating they had tried to ‘rob’ the Aussie fighter
Moloney dominated the fight with his accurate jab and excellent movement
Undisputed champion Inoue has moved up a division, leaving his titles vacant. Moloney has won his last five fights since losing to Inoue to improve to 26-2.
Astrolabio dropped to 18-4 after his first loss in seven fights.
Moloney’s twin brother Andrew will fight Japan’s Junto Nakatani for the vacant WBO flyweight title next weekend in Las Vegas.