Australia’s Jason Moloney is defending his WBO bantamweight world title against local hope Yoshiki Takei at the Tokyo Dome, on the undercard of a massive Naoya Inoue defence.
It’s Moloney’s second world title defence after winning it from Vincent Astrolabio in May 2023, then beating Saul Sanchez this past January.
ESPN commentator Joe Tessitore said as Moloney walked to the ring: “He’s defending this title like his life depends on it”.
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Moloney was the fortunate beneficiary of an early point deduction for Takei after three low shots in the opening two rounds, though the third appeared to be on the belt.
But otherwise the Japanese former kickboxer was in control of the fight, arguably winning the first four rounds thanks to an advantage on the outside, though the Aussie improved in the fourth.
“There’s gonna have to be a shift in the game plan of Moloney,” the US analyst said on commentary.
Through six rounds Takei had landed 90 punches to 46, with 19 of Moloney’s landed punches coming in the sixth as he desperately tried to break through the contender’s defence.
Moloney’s coaches could be heard “begging” him to show more during the seventh.
INOUE v NERY and MOLONEY vs TAKEI | MON 6 MAY 6PM AEST | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
The 33-year-old Melburnian is wary of the threat the former kickboxer poses, having already recorded eight wins in eight professional bouts since switching disciplines.
“I’m expecting him to be a hard fight, which is why I’ve prepared accordingly,” Moloney told Fox Sports Australia.
“He’s a big puncher. Strong athlete, good mover, explosive and comes with a full kit of punches. And his team, they feel he’s ready for this challenge.
“Which is why I’ve trained so hard to show that he isn’t. And to win big win in a packed Tokyo Dome, that will skyrocket my profile here. And hopefully, transcends a little back home too.”
Moloney also explained why he decided not to fight on Sunday’s Lomachenko vs Kambosos card in Perth, which includes brother Andrew.
“I could’ve defend my belt in Australia and been part of Sunday’s massive show,” Moloney continued.
“And to be part of all that, it was definitely enticing.
“But I really want to establish myself here in Japan, be part of everything that’s happening now.
“Still, I had no idea the week would be like it’s been.”
The enormous main event sees Japan’s Naoya Inoue, who defeated Moloney via KO in 2020, facing Mexico’s Luiz Nery in the main event having recorded 26 straight wins with 23 stoppages. The IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring super bantamweight world titles will be on the line.
START TIME
The main card got underway at 6pm AEST, with the main event ring walks expected closer to 9:30pm AEST.
HOW TO WATCH
Inoue vs Nery will be shown live on Main Event or streaming platform Kayo Sports. You can order here.
FULL FIGHT CARD
Naoya Inoue (c) vs. Luis Nery for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring super bantamweight world titles
Jason Moloney (c) vs. Yoshiki Takei for the WBO bantamweight world title
Takuma Inoue (c) def Sho Ishida via UD to retain the WBA bantamweight world title
Seigo Yuri Akui (c) def Taku Kuwahara via UD to retain the WBA flyweight world title
TJ Doheny def Bryl Bayogos via TKO in Round 4
Follow all the action in our live blog below!
Source Agencies
