Early Contender for ‘Fight of the Year’ Jason Moloney Retains World Title in Grueling Showdown

Jason Moloney of Australia defended his WBO bantamweight championship against Saul Sanchez of Mexico in a spectacular 12-round bout in Quebec City. The heated encounter saw Moloney overcome Sanchez’s aggressive start with ring craft and bravery to win by points.

Photo from Fox Sports

Jason Moloney Triumphs in Intense Title Defense: Fans Call It an Early ‘Fight of the Year’ Contender

With one judge rating it a tie (114-114) and two others giving Moloney seven rounds to Sanchez’s five (116-112), the fight was close and kept viewers on edge. Moloney’s dominance in the middle and last rounds decided rounds, despite judges’ disagreements.

Fans praised the tough competition on social media, calling it an “early Fight of the Year contender.” Others praised the fierce struggle and wanted a rematch.

Moloney’s championship defense bodes well for future fights. A homecoming unification fight with George Kambosos Jnr, who will face Vasily Lomachenko in May for the IBF lightweight title, is rumored. Moloney might face IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez, Junto Nakatani, or WBA champion Takuma Inoue, all enticing options for his next fight.

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Moloney’s Resilience Shines: Bloody Eyebrow, Stunning Comeback, and Thrilling Finale Highlight Aussie Boxing Spectacle

After a headbutt broke his eyebrow early in the bout, Moloney rediscovered his groove in the fourth round. Sanchez struggled against the Australian champion despite a good start. Sanchez pushed Moloney to his maximum in the latter rounds, ending in a thrilling climax that drew cheers.

The Australian-based Russian light heavyweight Imam Khataev stopped Poland’s Michal Ludwiczak in the second round. Khataev, who won bronze for Russia at the Tokyo Games, has won all six of his professional matches in the third round.

The co-main event featured 27-2 Rohan Murdock against Canadian Christian Mbilli. Artur Beterbiev, with a 19-for-19 stoppage record, defended his light heavyweight title against England’s Callum Smith on the night. Australian boxing was on display at the tournament, with Moloney’s championship defense highlighting a night of thrilling bouts.

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