Andrew Moloney vs Joshua Franco: Moloney’s quest for revenge falls short

Andrew Moloney has unfortunately fallen short in his quest for revenge against American Joshua Franco, going down via unanimous decision.

Andrew Moloney has his sights set on world domination.

Andrew Moloney was unable to avenge his loss to American Joshua Franco, going down via unanimous decision (116-112 x 3).

In an evenly-fought contest, neither boxer gave their opponent an inch throughout the 12 rounds but Franco ultimately proved too strong on the judges’ scorecards.

The defending champ had struggled with Moloney’s jabs in their two previous fights, but this time he had the answer for everything the 30-year-old Aussie threw at him.

With the victory, Franco retained the WBA super-flyweight title.

It’s an unfortunate end to the trilogy for Moloney.

He lost their first fight but nine months ago dominated the rematch in Las Vegas, only to be robbed of the WBA Super-Flyweight World Title he desperately wanted when the bout was stopped after two rounds because of swelling around Franco’s eye.

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Officials ruled Moloney had accidentally headbutted his opponent and the clash was ruled a no contest, even though replays showed the injury was actually caused by the Australian’s fist.

The decision sparked outrage from Team Moloney and his supporters, while even actress Helen Mirren said he was robbed.

But now Moloney has a chance for redemption and he’s hoping to make it count. The main event is scheduled to get underway after 1pm AEST.

Andrew Moloney wants his belt.

“There is no doubt that result from the second fight and also the first fight have been in the back of my mind everyday for the last nine months,” Moloney told foxsports.com.au ahead of today’s main event.

“I think the whole world knows that belt deserves to be around my waist at the moment. It was a no contest but he walked away with the belt. He knows he didn’t deserve it and I think he is going to be very determined this weekend but as am I.

“For the last nine months I’ve had to watch him basically claim he is the champion and walk around with that belt that I know should be mine.”

At least one member of the Moloney family ended the night with their hand raised.

His twin brother, Jason Moloney, defeated Joshua Greer by unanimous decision and took home the vacant WBC Silver bantamweight title.

Jason, who now moves to a 22-2 record, was coming off a knockout loss at the hands of Japan’s Naoya Inoue in October last year.

Before the loss, Jason was on a four-fight win streak.

RESULTS

Joshua Franco defeated Andrew Moloney by unanimous decision, Franco retains the WBA super flyweight title

Nico Ali Walsh defeated Jordan Weeks by TKO (cruiserweight)

Arnold Barboza Jr. defeated Antonio Moran by unanimous decision (super lightweights)

Jason Moloney defeated Joshua Greer by unanimous decision (bantamweights)

Karlos Balderas defeated Fidel Cervantes by knockout (lightweight)