Boxing Andrew Moloney v Junto Nakatani: Aussie reflects on incredible journey ahead of WBO junior bantamweight title fight

Last week, twin brother Jason became a world champion, now Andrew Moloney gets his chance – for real this time. He opens up on the journey ahead of Sunday’s title bout.

Andrew Moloney and Junto Nakatani. Picture: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc

When Andrew Moloney defeated Elton Dharry in Melbourne in late 2019, the feeling of being a world champion was at first exhilarating, and then, a little empty.

“I had the initial feeling of being champion, but it was an interim title, they later elevated me to champion, but it just didn’t feel right,” Moloney said.

“I didn’t consider that as being a true world champion.”

Four years and seven fights later – three against Joshua Franco in the controversial trilogy that denied Moloney the chance to gain the title he desperately wanted – he gets another chance.

On Sunday (AEST) in Las Vegas, Moloney (25-2, 16KO) takes on undefeated Japanese knockout artist Junto Nakatani (24-0, 18KO) for the vacant WBO World junior bantamweight title.

Andrew Moloney defeated Elton Dharry in Melbourne in late 2019. Picture: Michael Klein

“And the fight happens a week after Jason became world champion, it was meant to be this way,” said Moloney, referencing his twin brother’s victory last weekend in California to claim the WBO World bantamweight belt.

“I just can’t think of a better way this could have all played out. After 20 years of both of us grinding it out, going through so many ups and downs and hurdles, to think that we can both become world champions one week apart, you could not write a better script.

“I am so happy for Jason, he deserves it so much after all the hard work he’s put in, and now it’s my turn to do the same and get that world title around my waist.”

Nakatani starts as the raging favourite with Vegas bookies, but 32-year-old Moloney has the edge in experience, having fought in the US four times already. Nakatani, 25, has fought outside of Japan just once.

Moloney takes on Junto Nakatani on Sunday. Picture: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc

Andrew’s twin brother Jason celebrates after defeating Vincent Astrolabio last week. Picture: Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc

“He is a really tall and long junior bantamweight, so he’ll be trying to use his reach and keep me at a distance,” Moloney said.

“But that’s exactly what we’ve prepared for, I couldn’t have had a better training camp, my sparring partners have replicated his style perfectly and I have the game plan to close the distance, get inside and make him uncomfortable.

“I will have my hand raised after this fight.”

But Nakatani is equally confident.

“I’ve been training hard. All that is left is to demonstrate,” Nakatani said.

“I want to make a big impression on Las Vegas fans and all over the world. I’m confident that I will be going home with the belt.

“I was able to spar with many different types of fighters. I sparred about 300 rounds. It was a lot of experience for me.”

The pair will tussle on the undercard of the highly anticipated showdown between champion Devin Haney and former king Vasiliy Lomachenko for the undisputed lightweight championship.

Originally published as Boxing Andrew Moloney v Junto Nakatani: Aussie reflects on incredible journey ahead of WBO junior bantamweight title fight