Fight Week: Andrew Moloney will begin the rebuilding process in his native Australia.
FIGHT WEEK
Andrew moloney will face froilan saludar in his return to australia on tuesday. also, welterweight prospect vito mielnicki jr. fights on CHRISTMAS DAY.
Andrew Moloney (21-2, 14 KOs) vs. Froilan Saludar (32-4-1, 22 KOs)
Odds: Moloney 10-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets
Also on the card: Faris Chevalier vs. Renold Quinlan, light heavyweights
Prediction: Moloney UD
Background: Moloney will begin the rebuilding process at home. The 30-year-old Aussie, a capable boxer, came to the United States with a perfect record and high hopes early last year but left after three disappointing outings against fellow 115-pound contender Joshua Franco in a span of 14 months. He lost a close, but unanimous decision in June of last year, their November fight was ruled a no-contest after Franco suffered an eye injury from an accidental head butt and Joshua won a wider decision this past August. Saludar is a solid opponent with some power but a step down from Franco. The 32-year-old Filipino has had success against second-tier opposition but has fallen short against elite foes, including a second-round stoppage against McWilliams Arroyo and a unanimous decision against Takuma Inoue. He rebounded from a seventh-round TKO against Ryoji Fukunaga in February of last year by outpointing Reymark Taday this past March, his most-recent fight. Moloney is the twin brother of bantamweight contender Jason Moloney.
Vito Mielnicki Jr. (9-1, 6 KOs) vs. Nicholas DeLomba (16-3, 5 KOs)
When: Saturday, Dec. 25
Time: 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
TV/Stream: Fox
Division: Welterweight
Rounds: 10
At stake: No major titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Joey Spencer (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Limberth Ponce (18-4, 11 KOs), middleweights
Prediction: Mielnicki UD
Background: Mielnicki, a former amateur star who had been too slick for his professional opponents, slipped up against underdog James Martin by losing a majority decision this past April. The 19-year-old from New Jersey was scheduled face his conqueror in an immediate rematch but Martin came in overweight and was replaced by Noah Kidd, who lasted less than two full rounds against a determined Mielnicki in July. This will be Mielnicki’s first scheduled 10-rounder. DeLomba, who fights out of Florida, shouldn’t be a significant threat to the young prospect. He hasn’t fought since February of last year, meaning he will have been out of the ring for 22 months. And things didn’t go well that night: He lost a shutout decision to unbeaten junior welterweight prospect Richardson Hitchins in a 10-round bout. DeLomba has fought between 140 and 147 pounds the past several years. Another prospect, middleweight Joey Spencer, will face journeyman Limberth Ponce on Saturday. Spencer ended up fighting – and outpointing – Martin the same night Mielnicki knocked out Kidd.
Fight Week: Andrew Moloney will begin the rebuilding process in his native Australia.
FIGHT WEEK
Andrew moloney will face froilan saludar in his return to australia on tuesday. also, welterweight prospect vito mielnicki jr. fights on CHRISTMAS DAY.
Andrew Moloney (21-2, 14 KOs) vs. Froilan Saludar (32-4-1, 22 KOs)
Odds: Moloney 10-1 favorite (average of multiple outlets
Also on the card: Faris Chevalier vs. Renold Quinlan, light heavyweights
Prediction: Moloney UD
Background: Moloney will begin the rebuilding process at home. The 30-year-old Aussie, a capable boxer, came to the United States with a perfect record and high hopes early last year but left after three disappointing outings against fellow 115-pound contender Joshua Franco in a span of 14 months. He lost a close, but unanimous decision in June of last year, their November fight was ruled a no-contest after Franco suffered an eye injury from an accidental head butt and Joshua won a wider decision this past August. Saludar is a solid opponent with some power but a step down from Franco. The 32-year-old Filipino has had success against second-tier opposition but has fallen short against elite foes, including a second-round stoppage against McWilliams Arroyo and a unanimous decision against Takuma Inoue. He rebounded from a seventh-round TKO against Ryoji Fukunaga in February of last year by outpointing Reymark Taday this past March, his most-recent fight. Moloney is the twin brother of bantamweight contender Jason Moloney.
Vito Mielnicki Jr. (9-1, 6 KOs) vs. Nicholas DeLomba (16-3, 5 KOs)
When: Saturday, Dec. 25
Time: 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT (main event later in show)
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
TV/Stream: Fox
Division: Welterweight
Rounds: 10
At stake: No major titles
Pound-for-pound ranking: None
Odds: NA
Also on the card: Joey Spencer (13-0, 9 KOs) vs. Limberth Ponce (18-4, 11 KOs), middleweights
Prediction: Mielnicki UD
Background: Mielnicki, a former amateur star who had been too slick for his professional opponents, slipped up against underdog James Martin by losing a majority decision this past April. The 19-year-old from New Jersey was scheduled face his conqueror in an immediate rematch but Martin came in overweight and was replaced by Noah Kidd, who lasted less than two full rounds against a determined Mielnicki in July. This will be Mielnicki’s first scheduled 10-rounder. DeLomba, who fights out of Florida, shouldn’t be a significant threat to the young prospect. He hasn’t fought since February of last year, meaning he will have been out of the ring for 22 months. And things didn’t go well that night: He lost a shutout decision to unbeaten junior welterweight prospect Richardson Hitchins in a 10-round bout. DeLomba has fought between 140 and 147 pounds the past several years. Another prospect, middleweight Joey Spencer, will face journeyman Limberth Ponce on Saturday. Spencer ended up fighting – and outpointing – Martin the same night Mielnicki knocked out Kidd.
Joshua Franco defeated Andrew Moloney by a unanimous decision in their third fight.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.
***
Joshua Franco wanted to right the wrong of the controversial no-contest in the rematch with Andrew Moloney in November.
Franco (18-1-2, 8 KOs) used his superior boxing for all 12 rounds to win the junior bantamweight fight by via unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 116-112) at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Okla. Franco is 2-0, with the no-contest, in their three fights.
The opening round was mostly even when Franco blasted Moloney with a thudding right hand with 15 seconds left and didn’t look back from there. From that point forward, Franco, the aggressor, was quicker to the draw, and landed the harder shots.
The tide of the fight nearly changed at 1:39 of the seventh round, when referee Jack Reiss scored a knockdown for Moloney. When the round concluded, they went to instant replay. It was determined relatively quickly that Moloney missed a right hand and, instead, Franco fell toward the canvas and used his left glove to keep from going down.
The ruling went in Franco’s favor, and the 25-year-old continued to outbox Moloney and run his unbeaten streak to seven (5-0-2), not counting the no-contest.
Joshua Franco defeated Andrew Moloney by a unanimous decision in their third fight.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.
***
Joshua Franco wanted to right the wrong of the controversial no-contest in the rematch with Andrew Moloney in November.
Franco (18-1-2, 8 KOs) used his superior boxing for all 12 rounds to win the junior bantamweight fight by via unanimous decision (116-112, 116-112, 116-112) at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa, Okla. Franco is 2-0, with the no-contest, in their three fights.
The opening round was mostly even when Franco blasted Moloney with a thudding right hand with 15 seconds left and didn’t look back from there. From that point forward, Franco, the aggressor, was quicker to the draw, and landed the harder shots.
The tide of the fight nearly changed at 1:39 of the seventh round, when referee Jack Reiss scored a knockdown for Moloney. When the round concluded, they went to instant replay. It was determined relatively quickly that Moloney missed a right hand and, instead, Franco fell toward the canvas and used his left glove to keep from going down.
The ruling went in Franco’s favor, and the 25-year-old continued to outbox Moloney and run his unbeaten streak to seven (5-0-2), not counting the no-contest.
Terence Crawford scored another dramatic knockout — this time over Kell Brook — on Saturday in Las Vegas.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Terence Crawford stopped Kell Brook. We can only hope his next foe is an elite welterweight. Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images
Terence Crawford provided a reminder of what many of us strongly believe: He’s the best boxer in the world.
Boxing Junkie’s No. 1 fighter pound-for-pound took his time gauging his range against Kell Brook on Saturday in Las Vegas, had just begun to pick up his work rate and then – as a result of one big right hand — knocked out Brook in Round 4 to retain his welterweight title and place at the pinnacle of the sport.
The victory cannot be described as sensational because of the opponent. Brook looked fit and said all the right things beforehand but it’s reasonable to believe he was damaged coming into the fight after brutal knockout losses to Gennadiy Golovkin and Errol Spence Jr., both of which left him with broken facial bones.
Still, Crawford got the job done in emphatic fashion, as he has always done in his remarkable career. That’s all he could do.
Now we wait … and hope.
The one frustrating downside to Crawford’s career has been his inability to lure a top 147-pounder into the ring, which can be attributed at least in part to the insidious politics of boxing. And he’s 33 now, not young by boxing standards.
Things could change next year one way or another. Crawford said he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao next, which would be a dream come true for fans dying to see him face a legitimate challenge. His promoter, Bob Arum, said investors in Middle East remain interested in bringing that fight there.
Crawford also could end his relationship with Top Rank, according to reports, and jump ship to Premier Boxing Champions. That’s where his prime welterweight rivals reside, including Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr.
Whatever it takes … do it.
To say that Crawford has earned the right to fight the best possible opponents is a gross understatement. If there is any justice at all in boxing – and maybe there isn’t — it’ll happen before it’s too late.
***
BAD
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has created a new weight class and some controversy. Roger Kisby / Getty Images for Hublot
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman means well. He just tries too hard sometimes.
Sulaiman has announced the creation of an 18th division between cruiserweight and heavyweight, with a limit of 224 pounds. He’s calling it “bridgerweight,” named after a boy who was wounded protecting his sister from a dog attack. It might end up being called “super cruiserweight.”
Sulaiman subsequently said that he plans to lower the cruiserweight limit from 200 pounds to 190 at some point.
The idea behind “bridgerweight” isn’t complicated: Smaller heavyweights, those who weigh between the cruiserweight limit of 200 and roughly 220, have been deemed too small for modern behemoths like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
It makes some sense. Small heavyweights could use a comfortable place to do their work, although many would chose to fight against the big men because of the money and glory involved.
However, there are problems.
One, small heavyweights have had success. Evander Holyfield is the best example but there are others. Look what Alexander Povetkin, a relatively small heavyweight, just did to Dillian Whyte. And Deontay Wilder, the biggest puncher in the sport, is small in terms of weight.
And, two, there are too many divisions as it is. Many of those who love the sport dream of reverting back to eight weight classes, not moving up to 18. Remember: If we allow each of the four major sanctioning bodies one champion in each division, 18 of them would produce 72 “champions.”
Can anyone argue that that’s not absurd?
I have three suggestions for Sulaiman.
One, if you’re intent on adding another division, then remove one that currently exists. The obvious choice is to do away with strawweight, which has a 105-pound limit. The littlest boxers would have to fight at 108.
At least then no one can complain that you’re increasing the number of divisions.
Two, don’t stick with the name “bridgerweight.” It’s a nice gesture but inconsistent with the names of the other divisions. And, if you go another direction, be sure to leave out the word “heavy,” which would diminish the sport’s traditional glamour division ever so slightly. “Super cruiserweight” works fine.
And, three, you might want to consider not doing it at all.
***
WORSE
Rarely has a swollen eye caused so much controversy. Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images
I don’t know whether Joshua Franco’s swollen eye was caused by a head clash or a punch (or punches) from Andrew Moloney on the Crawford-Brook card, which was the crux of controversy. No one knows for sure.
One thing is certain, though: Nevada officials didn’t handle the situation well.
The fight was stopped after two rounds and ruled a no-decision because referee Russell Mora believed the injury was the result of an accidental foul and the fight didn’t go four complete rounds. Had the eye been damaged by punches or the fight gone four, Moloney would’ve won by technical knockout.
Where did the officials go wrong?
First, according to Moloney, Mora never told him or his cornermen about his ruling. Had Moloney been aware that the injury was the result of a head clash, he said, he would’ve stayed away from the eye for a few rounds.
However, to be fair to Mora, he indicated to officials multiple times during and after the first round that the swelling was the result of a head clash. Moloney was busy fighting, which might explain why he was unaware. It’s more difficult to understand how the Aussie’s cornermen missed it.
Second, the video review took almost a half hour, which seemed like half a day. Thoroughness is laudable but a half hour borders on ridiculous.
And, three, repeated replays on ESPN failed to provide reasonably clear evidence that a clash of heads caused the eye injury. In fact, network technicians found a jab that seemed to be a more likely culprit. In the end, many fans were left unsatisfied that officials made the correct decision.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission might be wise to issue a news release explaining its actions and include a video clip of the accidental foul in question to control any damage caused to its reputation.
As it is now, too many people believe the commission unjustly deprived Moloney of a victory.
Terence Crawford scored another dramatic knockout — this time over Kell Brook — on Saturday in Las Vegas.
A critical look at the past week in boxing
GOOD
Terence Crawford stopped Kell Brook. We can only hope his next foe is an elite welterweight. Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images
Terence Crawford provided a reminder of what many of us strongly believe: He’s the best boxer in the world.
Boxing Junkie’s No. 1 fighter pound-for-pound took his time gauging his range against Kell Brook on Saturday in Las Vegas, had just begun to pick up his work rate and then – as a result of one big right hand — knocked out Brook in Round 4 to retain his welterweight title and place at the pinnacle of the sport.
The victory cannot be described as sensational because of the opponent. Brook looked fit and said all the right things beforehand but it’s reasonable to believe he was damaged coming into the fight after brutal knockout losses to Gennadiy Golovkin and Errol Spence Jr., both of which left him with broken facial bones.
Still, Crawford got the job done in emphatic fashion, as he has always done in his remarkable career. That’s all he could do.
Now we wait … and hope.
The one frustrating downside to Crawford’s career has been his inability to lure a top 147-pounder into the ring, which can be attributed at least in part to the insidious politics of boxing. And he’s 33 now, not young by boxing standards.
Things could change next year one way or another. Crawford said he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao next, which would be a dream come true for fans dying to see him face a legitimate challenge. His promoter, Bob Arum, said investors in Middle East remain interested in bringing that fight there.
Crawford also could end his relationship with Top Rank, according to reports, and jump ship to Premier Boxing Champions. That’s where his prime welterweight rivals reside, including Pacquiao and Errol Spence Jr.
Whatever it takes … do it.
To say that Crawford has earned the right to fight the best possible opponents is a gross understatement. If there is any justice at all in boxing – and maybe there isn’t — it’ll happen before it’s too late.
***
BAD
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has created a new weight class and some controversy. Roger Kisby / Getty Images for Hublot
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman means well. He just tries too hard sometimes.
Sulaiman has announced the creation of an 18th division between cruiserweight and heavyweight, with a limit of 224 pounds. He’s calling it “bridgerweight,” named after a boy who was wounded protecting his sister from a dog attack. It might end up being called “super cruiserweight.”
Sulaiman subsequently said that he plans to lower the cruiserweight limit from 200 pounds to 190 at some point.
The idea behind “bridgerweight” isn’t complicated: Smaller heavyweights, those who weigh between the cruiserweight limit of 200 and roughly 220, have been deemed too small for modern behemoths like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
It makes some sense. Small heavyweights could use a comfortable place to do their work, although many would chose to fight against the big men because of the money and glory involved.
However, there are problems.
One, small heavyweights have had success. Evander Holyfield is the best example but there are others. Look what Alexander Povetkin, a relatively small heavyweight, just did to Dillian Whyte. And Deontay Wilder, the biggest puncher in the sport, is small in terms of weight.
And, two, there are too many divisions as it is. Many of those who love the sport dream of reverting back to eight weight classes, not moving up to 18. Remember: If we allow each of the four major sanctioning bodies one champion in each division, 18 of them would produce 72 “champions.”
Can anyone argue that that’s not absurd?
I have three suggestions for Sulaiman.
One, if you’re intent on adding another division, then remove one that currently exists. The obvious choice is to do away with strawweight, which has a 105-pound limit. The littlest boxers would have to fight at 108.
At least then no one can complain that you’re increasing the number of divisions.
Two, don’t stick with the name “bridgerweight.” It’s a nice gesture but inconsistent with the names of the other divisions. And, if you go another direction, be sure to leave out the word “heavy,” which would diminish the sport’s traditional glamour division ever so slightly. “Super cruiserweight” works fine.
And, three, you might want to consider not doing it at all.
***
WORSE
Rarely has a swollen eye caused so much controversy. Mikey Williams / Top Rank via Getty Images
I don’t know whether Joshua Franco’s swollen eye was caused by a head clash or a punch (or punches) from Andrew Moloney on the Crawford-Brook card, which was the crux of controversy. No one knows for sure.
One thing is certain, though: Nevada officials didn’t handle the situation well.
The fight was stopped after two rounds and ruled a no-decision because referee Russell Mora believed the injury was the result of an accidental foul and the fight didn’t go four complete rounds. Had the eye been damaged by punches or the fight gone four, Moloney would’ve won by technical knockout.
Where did the officials go wrong?
First, according to Moloney, Mora never told him or his cornermen about his ruling. Had Moloney been aware that the injury was the result of a head clash, he said, he would’ve stayed away from the eye for a few rounds.
However, to be fair to Mora, he indicated to officials multiple times during and after the first round that the swelling was the result of a head clash. Moloney was busy fighting, which might explain why he was unaware. It’s more difficult to understand how the Aussie’s cornermen missed it.
Second, the video review took almost a half hour, which seemed like half a day. Thoroughness is laudable but a half hour borders on ridiculous.
And, three, repeated replays on ESPN failed to provide reasonably clear evidence that a clash of heads caused the eye injury. In fact, network technicians found a jab that seemed to be a more likely culprit. In the end, many fans were left unsatisfied that officials made the correct decision.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission might be wise to issue a news release explaining its actions and include a video clip of the accidental foul in question to control any damage caused to its reputation.
As it is now, too many people believe the commission unjustly deprived Moloney of a victory.
Andrew Moloney said he wasn’t told the referee ruled Joshua Franco’s eye injury was the result of a head clash Saturday in Las Vegas.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on SportingNews.com.
***
A devastated Andrew Moloney says he was unaware referee Russell Mora had ruled Joshua Franco’s eye injury was caused by a head clash and that he would have stayed away from the swollen eye until after the fourth round if he did.
The junior bantamweight fight — for a secondary title — was stopped after the second round and ruled a no-decision because Franco couldn’t see Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Franco’s eye had swollen closed by the end of the first round, with Mora ruling an accidental head clash had done the damage. It was ruled a no-decision because it was stopped as the result of an accidental foul before the conclusion of four rounds.
If Mora had declared the injury was caused by Moloney’s punches — or if four rounds had been completed — then Moloney would have won by technical knockout.
Nevada State Athletic Commission officials reviewed the fight for almost half an hour to determine whether the head clash occurred. Finally, they ruled that Mora had made the correct decision.
Moloney is adamant there wasn’t a head clash and believes there’s evidence a jab caused the swelling to Franco’s eye.
“There’s clear footage of me landing a jab on Franco where his eye was fine,” Moloney told Sporting News. “The jab lands directly on his eye, he holds his eye, he lets his hand down and his eye is already swollen.
“I don’t know what more they needed to see on the replay. The instant replay is in use here in Nevada, and they used it, but they didn’t change the decision. I just don’t understand it.”
Thinking Franco’s injury was caused by his punches, Moloney attacked the eye and thought he had won the bout via TKO when it was stopped ahead of the third round.
He says he would have steered clear of the injury if he had been told it was the result of a head clash.
“The referee hadn’t made it clear to us that it was an accidental head clash,” Moloney said. “He should have told us that that was his ruling, and I would have left the eye alone for another few rounds.
“And after four rounds I would have worked on the eye, and it would have gone to the scorecards. They made no communication that was his ruling, so I celebrated thinking I’d won a TKO.
“But I knew it was a punch. That jab kept landing and the eye started to shut. I knew I was going to stop him. I just can’t believe they’ve robbed me of this moment. It hurts.”
While viewers around the world watched numerous replays of the first round as officials searched for a head clash, Moloney waited in agony unable to see a big screen.
He said Top Rank boss Bob Arum and commentators Andre Ward and Tim Bradley all told him he should be declared the winner.
“He (Arum) was pissed off, and he’s already got lawyers onto it already to try and overturn the decision,” Moloney said. “He asked us to come into the office on Monday. Worst case is that he’s got options on Franco’s next fight and it will definitely be against me. He won’t let him fight anyone else.
“That’s obviously good news, and hopefully they do overturn the decision, but I’m still devastated they robbed that moment in the ring from me.”
Moloney traded heated words with Franco and his team in the minutes after the result was made official. He says the 25-year-old from San Antonio doesn’t deserve to be a world champion.
“His team were a joke. They were screaming at me, and one of them was telling me I didn’t want to be in there and wanted out,” Moloney said. “One was telling me about the first fight, that he broke my nose. But I’m not arguing about the first fight, I’m arguing about this fight.
“I fought through a broken nose and perforated ear drums and a cut eye. Tonight, as soon as it got tough, he wanted out of there. I could sense it. After the fight, he knew he’d lost. I know he doesn’t deserve to have that belt. He knows he doesn’t deserve it, and he knows he won’t be carrying it around too much.”
Andrew Moloney said he wasn’t told the referee ruled Joshua Franco’s eye injury was the result of a head clash Saturday in Las Vegas.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on SportingNews.com.
***
A devastated Andrew Moloney says he was unaware referee Russell Mora had ruled Joshua Franco’s eye injury was caused by a head clash and that he would have stayed away from the swollen eye until after the fourth round if he did.
The junior bantamweight fight — for a secondary title — was stopped after the second round and ruled a no-decision because Franco couldn’t see Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Franco’s eye had swollen closed by the end of the first round, with Mora ruling an accidental head clash had done the damage. It was ruled a no-decision because it was stopped as the result of an accidental foul before the conclusion of four rounds.
If Mora had declared the injury was caused by Moloney’s punches — or if four rounds had been completed — then Moloney would have won by technical knockout.
Nevada State Athletic Commission officials reviewed the fight for almost half an hour to determine whether the head clash occurred. Finally, they ruled that Mora had made the correct decision.
Moloney is adamant there wasn’t a head clash and believes there’s evidence a jab caused the swelling to Franco’s eye.
“There’s clear footage of me landing a jab on Franco where his eye was fine,” Moloney told Sporting News. “The jab lands directly on his eye, he holds his eye, he lets his hand down and his eye is already swollen.
“I don’t know what more they needed to see on the replay. The instant replay is in use here in Nevada, and they used it, but they didn’t change the decision. I just don’t understand it.”
Thinking Franco’s injury was caused by his punches, Moloney attacked the eye and thought he had won the bout via TKO when it was stopped ahead of the third round.
He says he would have steered clear of the injury if he had been told it was the result of a head clash.
“The referee hadn’t made it clear to us that it was an accidental head clash,” Moloney said. “He should have told us that that was his ruling, and I would have left the eye alone for another few rounds.
“And after four rounds I would have worked on the eye, and it would have gone to the scorecards. They made no communication that was his ruling, so I celebrated thinking I’d won a TKO.
“But I knew it was a punch. That jab kept landing and the eye started to shut. I knew I was going to stop him. I just can’t believe they’ve robbed me of this moment. It hurts.”
While viewers around the world watched numerous replays of the first round as officials searched for a head clash, Moloney waited in agony unable to see a big screen.
He said Top Rank boss Bob Arum and commentators Andre Ward and Tim Bradley all told him he should be declared the winner.
“He (Arum) was pissed off, and he’s already got lawyers onto it already to try and overturn the decision,” Moloney said. “He asked us to come into the office on Monday. Worst case is that he’s got options on Franco’s next fight and it will definitely be against me. He won’t let him fight anyone else.
“That’s obviously good news, and hopefully they do overturn the decision, but I’m still devastated they robbed that moment in the ring from me.”
Moloney traded heated words with Franco and his team in the minutes after the result was made official. He says the 25-year-old from San Antonio doesn’t deserve to be a world champion.
“His team were a joke. They were screaming at me, and one of them was telling me I didn’t want to be in there and wanted out,” Moloney said. “One was telling me about the first fight, that he broke my nose. But I’m not arguing about the first fight, I’m arguing about this fight.
“I fought through a broken nose and perforated ear drums and a cut eye. Tonight, as soon as it got tough, he wanted out of there. I could sense it. After the fight, he knew he’d lost. I know he doesn’t deserve to have that belt. He knows he doesn’t deserve it, and he knows he won’t be carrying it around too much.”
The title fight between Joshua Franco and Andrew Moloney ended in a controversial no-decision on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Was it a head butt or a punch?
The rematch between Joshua Franco and Andrew Moloney, for the former’s secondary junior bantamweight title, was stopped after two rounds because Franco’s right eye was swollen shut, which referee Russel Mora attributed to an accidental head butt.
Thus, it was ruled a no-decision because — in the event of an accidental foul — the fight must go four full rounds in order to go to the scorecards.
However, Nevada State Athletic Commission officials decided to use their new replay rule to determine whether it was an accidental foul or a punch that caused Franco’s eye to swell, which was evident before the first round was over.
The process of reviewing video took about a half hour, which seemed interminable. Officials, who evidently saw what they believe was the clash of heads in question, finally decided that Mora had made the correct decision and the no-decision stands.
Had officials ruled a punch caused the swelling, Moloney would’ve won by a technical knockout.
Questions will continue to be asked about the strange ending, however. ESPN repeatedly showed replays of a left jab that landed squarely on the eye, which analysts Andre Ward and Tim Bradley believed was the cause of the swelling.
Moloney (21-1, 14 KOs) threw more than 100 punches in the opening round, many of which were jabs that found the face of Franco (17-1-2, 8 KOs).
“The eye was closed by 50 jabs,” said a distraught Moloney, who seemed to be on the verge of tears. “I hit him early, saw a bump and then hit him with another 50 jabs. There was no head butt. I can’t believe they took this away from me.
“I trained my ass off for five months. I was away from my family. And they took it away from me like this. I hope [promoter] Bob [Arum] can get me a third fight.”
The fight was stopped by Mora at 1:45 of Round 2 to have the ring doctor check the eye. He allowed it to continue. Then, after that round was complete, the doctor took another look and stopped the fight.
Joshua won the 115-pound title by outpointing Moloney on June 23 at the same venue
The title fight between Joshua Franco and Andrew Moloney ended in a controversial no-decision on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Was it a head butt or a punch?
The rematch between Joshua Franco and Andrew Moloney, for the former’s secondary junior bantamweight title, was stopped after two rounds because Franco’s right eye was swollen shut, which referee Russel Mora attributed to an accidental head butt.
Thus, it was ruled a no-decision because — in the event of an accidental foul — the fight must go four full rounds in order to go to the scorecards.
However, Nevada State Athletic Commission officials decided to use their new replay rule to determine whether it was an accidental foul or a punch that caused Franco’s eye to swell, which was evident before the first round was over.
The process of reviewing video took about a half hour, which seemed interminable. Officials, who evidently saw what they believe was the clash of heads in question, finally decided that Mora had made the correct decision and the no-decision stands.
Had officials ruled a punch caused the swelling, Moloney would’ve won by a technical knockout.
Questions will continue to be asked about the strange ending, however. ESPN repeatedly showed replays of a left jab that landed squarely on the eye, which analysts Andre Ward and Tim Bradley believed was the cause of the swelling.
Moloney (21-1, 14 KOs) threw more than 100 punches in the opening round, many of which were jabs that found the face of Franco (17-1-2, 8 KOs).
“The eye was closed by 50 jabs,” said a distraught Moloney, who seemed to be on the verge of tears. “I hit him early, saw a bump and then hit him with another 50 jabs. There was no head butt. I can’t believe they took this away from me.
“I trained my ass off for five months. I was away from my family. And they took it away from me like this. I hope [promoter] Bob [Arum] can get me a third fight.”
The fight was stopped by Mora at 1:45 of Round 2 to have the ring doctor check the eye. He allowed it to continue. Then, after that round was complete, the doctor took another look and stopped the fight.
Joshua won the 115-pound title by outpointing Moloney on June 23 at the same venue
