Jason Moloney Looking to Outclass Vincent Astrolabio and Reign at Bantamweight
Australian Jason Moloney (25-2, 19 KOs) gets his third crack at a world title when he battles Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) on March 13 in Stockton, California for the vacant WBO bantamweight belt. For Moloney, it could be his last attempt to win a world title. He’s motivated to not let this opportunity slip through his fingers.
UNDERSTANDING THE ASSIGNMENT
Astrolabio comes into this contest riding a six-fight winning streak. One of those wins was against former unified junior feather champion Guillermo Rigondeaux in February 2022. Understanding that he’s about to face someone full of confidence, Moloney told Ring Magazine that he plans to be in top form and will be too much for Astrolabio once the bell rings.
“Astrolabio is in good form . . . I’m sure he will be hungry. It’s every fighter’s dream to become world champion, so I’m sure he will be well-prepared.
I think Astrolabio is a good fighter and seems to have good power, but I think I’m a much better fighter in all areas. With the way I’m preparing and how I’m performing in the gym, I don’t think he will be able to stay with me for 12 rounds.”
In Moloney’s two previous world title attempts, he lost by a split decision to former IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez in October 2018 and was stopped in seven rounds against former undisputed champion Naoya Inoue in October 2020. The Aussie feels he’s learned from those experiences and is a better fighter.
LOOKING TO TAKE OVER
Inoue’s decision to exit 118 and vacate the belts has left the bantamweight division in transition. Moloney feels the division is ripe for the taking and believes the man to take over is himself.
“I’ve got so much that I want to achieve in this sport, and it all starts with the WBO title around my waist. Losing is not an option. This will be the start of a long and successful reign . . . The division has been left wide open, and I’m ready to become the new king of the bantamweights.”
Even though he’s age 32, Moloney thinks he has plenty left in the tank. He hopes to show that on May 13 against Astralabio.
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