It remains to be seen whether Jason Moloney is about to enter the final act of his career.
Regardless, he remains more confident than ever that it will be the best one.
The former WBO 118lbs titlist is set for his return home to Australia, which coincides with his new alliance. Moloney recently signed with Tasman Fighters, with his debut under the company’s banner to come on December 6 at Gold Coast Convention Centre in Broadbeach.
Step one is to return to the win column, as he faces the Philippines’ Hernan Gomez. The expectation from there is to immediately re-enter the title mix.
“My plan is to make this chapter the most exciting and successful part of my career,” Moloney told BoxingScene. “I feel like I’m still improving and I think my best is still to come.
“Short term – I’m excited to have the opportunity to get active, fight on home soil and make sure I win every fight in spectacular fashion. Long term, the plan is simple – become a two-time world champion and regain my position as the number one in the division.”
Moloney, 27-4 (19 KOs) has not won since a January 2024 unanimous decision over Saul Sanchez in Quebec City, Canada. Their 12-round thriller marked the lone successful defense of the WBO bantamweight title he claimed in a May 2023 majority decision over Vincent Astrolabio in Stockton, California.
The reign and his six-fight win streak ended in a 12-round, unanimous decision defeat to Yoshiki Takei last May 6 in Tokyo, Japan. Moloney had the unbeaten Takei badly hurt in the final round but ran out of time before he could close the show.
All that came from his valiant effort was a nine-month gap between fights, followed by a ten-round, unanimous decision defeat to Tenshin Nasukawa. That bout took place on February 24 in Tokyo, his last ring appearance to date.
Change was needed for Moloney to keep the line moving. It led to the deal reached between Moloney’s team – including career-long manager Tony Tolj – and Tasman, whose clients include lineal and IBF 200lbs king Jai Opetaia, 28-0 (22 KOs), who headlines the December 6 show.
“I’m absolutely stoked about making the move to Tasman Fighters,” noted Moloney, who turns 35 in January. “It really feels like the right fit. Tasman are doing big things in Australian boxing and I’m sure we can achieve a lot of success together.
“To join the team and have the support of someone like Jai Opetaia means a lot, he’s one of the most dominant fighters in the entire sport at the moment, to have the opportunity to fight on the same show just adds extra motivation. I’m ready to put on a spectacular performance and really make a statement to the rest of the division.”
