Andrew Moloney one win away from world title challenge

Super flyweight contender Andrew ‘The Monster’ Moloney 18-0 (11) faces the toughest test of his career when he takes on once-beaten Miguel ‘Aguja’ Gonzalez 29-1 (6) in a WBA world title eliminator at the Gran Arena Monticello Casino in San Francisco de Mostazal, Chile on Friday night.

The Australian boxer-puncher, who is ranked number three by the WBA at 115-pounds, will be competing away from home for the first time in his pro career.

“Yes, it is a bit unknown, but at the end of the day it’s a boxing match and once we step through the ropes, it’s just going to be me and Gonzalez in there and I believe I am the better boxer,” the 28-year-old Moloney told RingTV.com.

The 29-year-old Gonzalez enters the fight as the WBA number two contender behind on Norbelto Jimenez, who will face WBA champion Khalid Yafai on the Anthony Joshua versus Jarrell Miller undercard in New York on June 1.

“This fight excites me a lot,” Moloney said. “Traveling to Chile and fighting Gonzalez in his backyard only adds more excitement and motivation for me to put on a dominating performance.

“Gonzalez boxes well at distance and also punches well to the body. I believe his footwork and defense are his weakness.

“This is a huge step towards achieving my dream of becoming world champion and I’m going there to make a statement.”

Manager Tony Tolj realises there are risk associated with fighting on the road, but believes that the potential rewards are well worth the gamble.

“Traveling and being the away fighter is a difficult task, but I’m more than confident in Andrew’s abilities,” Tolj said. “He is going to another level in every fight and has a style and will to win I have not seen since my days with (former WBA featherweight titlist) Chris John.

“We decided to take this fight because we want to become world champion and we have to force the fight with the champion. We have had nearly 10 WBA regional defenses, so we are putting it all on the line to get closer to the Holy Grail.”

Moloney has long coveted a shot at reigning WBA champion Yafai but he may have to wait until 2020 for that world title shot to come if he gets past Gonzalez.

“I would obviously rather not have to wait nine months to face Yafai,” Moloney said. “But at the moment, my focus is on winning this eliminator and making sure I become the mandatory challenger.”

Meanwhile Moloney’s twin brother Jason Moloney 17-1 (14) returns to action on March 30 in his first fight back since his admirable performance against IBF bantamweight champion Emmanuel Rodriguez 19-0 (12) in the World Boxing Super Series.

Moloney will take on Filipino southpaw Cris Paulino 19-3 (8) at the Seagulls Rugby League Club in Tweed Heads, New South Wales.

"Obviously it was devastating to lose against Rodriguez,” Moloney told Fightful. “Becoming world champion was something my team and I had worked so hard towards over many years and to come so close but fall short was heartbreaking.

“It still hurts now but I’m determined to achieve my dreams and I’m working hard every day to become the best fighter I can be."

Moloney expects Paulino to come to fight and insists he is not overlooking him.

"I’m not underestimating Cris Paulino. I don’t take any opponent lightly and this is a big opportunity for Paulino to come over here and try and take my WBA world number three ranking. It has been over three years since his last loss and I’m expecting a very tough fight,” Moloney said.

“My plan is to do whatever it takes to become world champion as soon as possible. I’d love to fight the winner of the WBSS, the WBC champion (Nordine Oubaali) or the WBA interim champion (Reymart Gaballo).

“I’m determined to become world champion and I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to make that happen.”