Aussie boxing champ loses title in Vegas thriller
Andrew Moloney's Las Vegas dream has turned into a nightmare with the Australian suffering a late knockdown that cost him a close decision and his WBA super-flyweight world-title belt.
Texan challenger Joshua Franco claimed the belt with a unanimous points decision at the MGM Grand on Tuesday.
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It was the first loss of Moloney's professional career.
"It just wasn't my night tonight," Moloney said.
"This was not the best version of Andrew Moloney, but full credit to Joshua Franco."
Two judges gave Franco the win by just one point.
Franco was trailing on the scorecards when the bout turned in the 10th round after Moloney slipped in the middle of the ring.
Moloney struggled to recover and Franco took advantage, thundering the Australian with left and right head shots to open up a cut above Moloney's left eye.
Franco dominated the 11th round with furious combinations that knocked Moloney down.
The big 11th round proved crucial on the judges' scorecards, with Dave Moretti and Patricia Morse Jarman giving the fight to the Texan 114-113.
The third judge, Julie Lederman, also scored it in favour of Franco 115-112.
"It was crucial," Franco, describing the knockdown, said.
"I needed that knockdown, but little by little I felt like I was breaking him down.
"I could hear him making little noises after I hit him so I knew I would get to him."
‘I’ll be back’: Moloney
Moloney, who won the world-title belt in November with a win over Guyana's champion Elton Dharry in Melbourne, was hoping to live a childhood dream and make his first defence with a win in Las Vegas.
When the scorecards were announced a devastated Moloney turned and grabbed on to the ropes.
"I'll be back," Moloney said.
"One loss won't define me."
Melbourne-born, Kingscliff-based Moloney was aiming for a big money October fight with WBA super champion Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez.
The 29-year-old's perfect professional record now drops to 21 wins (14 knockouts), one loss.
Franco's record moves to 17 wins (eight knockouts), one loss and two draws.
The bout was staged without live spectators as part of a series of fight cards within a "bubble" at the MGM Grand casino.
Strict security and regular testing inside the MGM is designed to protect fighters from contracting COVID-19.
The Moloney family has an opportunity for redemption.
Moloney's identical twin and elite bantamweight, Jason Moloney, fights Mexico's Leonardo Baez in a non-title fight at the MGM on Thursday (Friday AEST).
