Jason Moloney Boxes Past Nawaphon Kaikanha!
On the undercard of Devin Haney versus George Kambosos 2, top bantamweight contenders and former world title challengers Jason Moloney (25-2, 19KOs) and Nawaphon Kaikanha (56-2-1, 46KOs) squared off. Moloney, ranked #1 (WBC) #1 (WBO), #5 (IBF) , and #7 (WBA), and Kaikanha, ranked #2 (WBC), had a lot riding on this final title eliminator to determine the WBC mandatory. Three fights after losing to Naoya Inoue for the IBF and WBA bantamweight titles, the Australian worked his way back into title contention with three straight wins.
The hard-hitting Kaikanha is a former world title challenger. He came in seeking to thrust himself into a future world title opportunity. With only one loss on his record, the Thai fighter has racked up an impressive record to go along with a current twenty-fight win streak.
CONSISTENT WORK PAVES WAY FOR MOLONEY VICTORY!
With a world title on the line, Jason Moloney came out against Nawaphon Kaikanha very sharp and effective. The Australian would dictate the early portion of the fight with his movement and excellent body punching. His left hook to the body would prove to be very successful as he hammered Kaikanha’s body often.
Conversely, Kaikanha was slow out the gate. He was beat to the punch and left to follow Moloney around the ring. However, he would find success in the second half of the fight as he landed some hard right hands that got the attention of Moloney. But that wouldn’t last long as Moloney would regain momentum and control of the fight thanks to the aforementioned movement and jab.
When it was all said and done, Moloney would have his hand raised as the winner by unanimous decision. The scores were 119-109 and 118-110 twice. With the win he has set himself up for a world title opportunity likely to come in 2023.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
