Aussie boxer Andrew Moloney is on the verge of a career-defining moment this weekend, with the former world champ stepping into a world title showdown against Mexico’s Willibaldo Garcia in Japan.
Just over two years after sensationally walking away from the sport following a heartbreaking and controversial defeat, Moloney now finds himself 12 rounds away from reclaiming world honours in one of the greatest comeback stories in Aussie boxing.
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The 34-year-old was left devastated in 2024 after a disputed loss to Pedro Guevara in Perth, a result that prompted an emotional retirement announcement in which he openly questioned the integrity of the entire sport.
But the decision proved short-lived.
“It sort of took me a few weeks to really get my head around it,” he told Fox Sports Australia.
“And I realized that I wasn’t satisfied with what I’ve achieved so far. I still believe I’m improving as a fighter, and the best is yet to come.
“And I’m glad I was so persistent, because I feel like Saturday is my moment.”
The road back to a world title opportunity has been anything but smooth.
Moloney was repeatedly frustrated by delays to a previously scheduled showdown with Argi Cortes, with organisers twice postponing the bout and forcing him to remain patient while waiting for another crack at the top.
Now, that chance has finally arrived.
Remarkably, Moloney revealed he was offered almost $350,000 (AU) to step aside from this weekend’s IBF super flyweight title fight and allow unified WBA, WBO and WBC champ Jesse Rodriguez the opportunity to pursue another unification bout.
Yet the Aussie never considered taking the money.
“Maybe I’m crazy,” he laughed.
“That was a hell of a lot of money. But this world title means more than any money. More than anything in the world.
“I’m going to win this world title.”
Standing in his way is Garcia, an aggressive pressure fighter whose relentless attacking style has carried him to the top of the division.
But Moloney believes the Mexican’s biggest strengths could also prove to be his greatest weakness.
“He’s just all attack,” Moloney explained. “There’s not really any defence there at all.
“It’s just coming forward and letting his hands go, which I guess has worked for him against a lot of people.
“There’s a lot of holes there.
“It’s just about picking the right shots at the right time.
“He throws everything very wide and there’s hardly any straight punches. It’s all hooks and big uppercuts and overhands.
“There’s plenty of holes, particularly down the middle, and that’s what I’ll be looking to exploit.”
The Australian admits there have been plenty of moments throughout his career when he felt luck was never on his side, but he now sees this world title shot as the reward for persevering through years of setbacks.
“I’ve always felt like I’ve had a lot of things not go my way,” he said.
“I’ve been very hard done by with decisions in my career and have almost had no luck at all.
“But the way this fight has come about, and the hurdles we’ve had to overcome just to make it happen, I feel like it was all meant to be.
“I feel like all of that has set me up for this one.
“It feels like all the stars have aligned.”
And should he get the job done against Garcia, Moloney insists he will finally allow himself some time to celebrate.
“I normally get straight back into the gym afterwards, but I’ve got about 20 to 25 people coming over here to support me in Japan and I’ve got to make sure we celebrate this one,” he said.
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“I’m staying over here for about 10 days after the fight.
“I’m going to eat every bit of food in Japan and I think we’re going to have to knock back a few Asahis as well.”