There weren’t many people who were thrilled with the news that Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez was out of the running for Phumelela Cafu’s first title defense.

Among the few not let down by the development was Andrew Moloney.

Moloney, a former secondary WBA junior bantamweight titlist, and his team immediately opened talks with South Africa’s Cafu, 11-0-3 (8 KOs), the reigning WBO junior bantamweight titlist after Gonzalez was out of the picture. Plans are in place for Cafu to defend his belt at home in South Africa sometime in late May.

An official challenger Is still needed, which is where Moloney, 27-4 (17 KOs), hopes to enter the equation.

“Let’s get this fight done,” Moloney told BoxingScene. “I’ve spoken directly with Cafu, and he said he wants to make this fight happen. Let’s see if he honors his words.”

BoxingScene learned that the two camps were in talks but that no movement has been made in recent days.

Cafu defeated Kosei Tanaka, 20-2 (11 KOs), via split decision to win the WBO 115lbs title last October 14 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

The fight was Cafu’s first road fight, and he was previously prepared for a second consecutive road trip when he was in talks to face the legendary Gonzalez, 52-4 (42 KOs). They were in advanced talks for a title fight this spring in Gonzalez’s hometown of Managua, Nicaragua. However, talks broke off at the 11th hour, with Cafu and his team being assured instead of a hometown headliner for his first defense.

Moloney didn’t waste any time throwing his proverbial hat into the ring.

“I’d love for the opportunity to fight Phumelela Cafu,” Moloney posted on his Instagram account on February 28, as soon as he learned a challenger was in need. “I’m ready to come to South Africa.”

Moloney is coming off a third-round knockout victory of Jakrawut Majungoen last December 15 in Flemington, Australia. The feat saw him rebound from a heartbreaking defeat against Pedro Guevara in their May 12 interim WBC junior bantamweight title fight on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-George Kambosos Jnr undercard in Perth, Australia.

The win over Majungoen was enough to keep Moloney in the top five of the WBO junior bantamweight rankings. That is high enough to qualify as a challenger for Cafu’s approved voluntary title defense.

“They are looking for someone – I'm here and always ready,” said Moloney. “I have no problem going to South Africa. Taking the belt off the champion in his own backyard will only make the victory even sweeter!”