Australian boxer Jason Moloney has secured a majority decision victory over Philippines’ Vincent Astrolabio to win the WBO bantamweight world title on Sunday AEST.

Having failed in his previous two world title shots, Moloney claimed a 114-114, 115-113, 116-112 victory at Stockton Arena, potentially setting up an epic $2 million showdown with Nonito Donaire.

That is despite suffering a broken hand in the win, with Moloney revealing he carried the injury since the third or fourth round.

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“I thought I won it going away, but all that matters is the victory. And now I have this belt for the rest of my life,” Moloney said.

“I broke my hand in the third or fourth round. It hurt every time I threw it. But I knew this was my last chance to make my dream come true.”

“This is half the job done for Team Moloney. Next week, {twin brother} Andrew will join me as champion of the world.”

After a patient first round, both fighters began taking more risks in the second term, with Astrolabio landing a few hefty blows in the third.

But after six rounds, Moloney’s jab was proving an effective weapon, with Astrolabio throwing more punches but the Australian landing them more frequently.

Moloney was undeniably more busy and disciplined as the contest entered the final few rounds.

“Moloney can with this fight just with his movement, footwork and his jab alone,” former world champion Timothy Bradley Jr said in commentary.

The contest was not the most entertaining on the card, far from it — boos echoed around the venue as Moloney patiently worked over his opponent.

“These boos are actually confirmation Moloney is doing exactly what he’s supposed to be doing,” former professional boxer Andre Ward said in commentary.

“He’s keeping the puncher, the explosive and exciting guy, out of the fight. He’s building up points. That’s not exciting for the fans but it’s getting Moloney closer to his dream of winning his first world title.”

American broadcaster Joe Tessitore continued: “Absolute confirmation that Moloney is in complete control.”

After the ninth round, Astrolabio was told by his trainer that he was down on the scorecards and needed nothing less than a knockout.

As fatigue began to take its toll, Astrolabio’s raw power came to the fore in the final couple of rounds, with the defending champion desperately hunting for the decisive blow.

But Astrolabio couldn’t get the job done, with Moloney crowned the victor with his professional record improving to 26-2.

Tessitore described Moloney’s performance as a “boxing clinic”, with the Australian making up for missed opportunities against Emmanuel Rodriguez and Naoya Inoue in 2018 and 2020.

Earlier this week, foxsports.com.au reported there is talk of a possible $2 million bout with Donaire if Moloney emerged victorious.

The WBC recently approved for Donaire to fight Alejandro Santiago for their vacant bantamweight title, so the Filipino will also need to win that fight to set up the potential Moloney meeting.

“This is a must win for me,” Moloney told foxsports.com.au earlier this week.

“We’ve already spoken with Bob who said if we take care of business, if we both win our titles, then there’s the very real prospect of a double-header in Australia.

“And that’s what I want.

“I want to bring this title to Australia, put on some big events and get the whole country behind us.”