Naoya Inoue To Fight Jason Moloney In November
It was anticipated that IBF/WBA Bantamweight World “Super” champion Naoya Inoue (19-0, 16 KOs) and WBO World Bantamweight title-holder John Riel Casimero (29-4, 20 KOs) would engage in a 118-pound unification bout this year. Unfortunately, both camps could not come to terms and finalize a deal. As a result, Inoue decided to make his next title defense against Australian Jason Moloney (21-1, 18 KOs).
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum (co-promoter of Inoue) disclosed the news during an interview with sportscaster Corbin Middleman from Australia’s ABC Grandstand.
“Jason Moloney, scheduled this fall to fight against the monster from Japan, Inoue. Jason is in there with a hell of a shot.”
According to Arum, the fight is official and the hope is to stage the match-up in November. The co-feature would be a rematch between Jason’s twin brother Andrew (21-1, 14 KOs) and WBA “Regular” world Junior Bantamweight champion Joshua Franco (17-1-2, 8 KOs).
This will be Inoue’s first time back in the ring since his thrilling win over Nonito Donaire (40-6, 26 KOs). The December 7, 2019 bout was both, ESPN and Ring Magazine’s, 2019 Fight of the Year.
MOLONEY IS NO PUSHOVER
With Inoue – Casimero not happening and the Filipino moving on to fight Duke Micah (24-0, 19 KOs) on September 26, the 29-year-old from Kingscliff, New South Wales, Australia is not a bad fall-back option.
Moloney ranks 3rd with the IBF and 4th with the WBA at 118-pounds. He is coming off an impressive 7th round stoppage win over Leonardo Baez (18-3, 9 KOs) on June 25. It can be argued that based on ability and skillset, Moloney is just as good of a fighter as Casimero. This is legitimately a high level, world-class fighter and among the best in the division.
On paper, Moloney is one of the better challenges of Inoue’s career. He has the potential to give the Japanese superstar an excellent scrap. Because Arum has yet to divulge a date and locale for Inoue – Moloney, stay tuned to 3KingsBoxing for further details and specifics.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
