This weekend, Australia’s finest Jason Moloney is challenging Japanese superstar Nayoa Inoue for the unified WBA (Super), IBF, and Ring Magazine world Bantamweight championship.
A Commonwealth and Oceania champion in his own right, Moloney has a stellar 21-1 record and has demolished his way to this title fight with four stoppages in his last four outings, all against top contenders.
‘The Smooth One’ took time out of his busy fight week to talk to our head feature writer Ewan about this fight, as well as the legacy it is sure to leave....
EB: Getting straight down to it, looming on the horizon is your Halloween showdown with the real life Monster, Nayoa Inoue, how have the preparations gone for this fight?
JM: Preparations have been amazing mate. Mentally and physically I’m in the best place I’ve ever been. I’m completely prepared for this challenge and ready to achieve my dreams.
EB: Obviously you came very close to facing him in the WBSS, has your preparation for Inoue been going on for longer than just this fight camp?
JM: Yes, I’ve had my eye on Inoue for a long time now. My goal has always been to become the number 1 Bantamweight in the world so Inoue has always been on my radar. Now my opportunity is here and it’s time to grab it with both hands.
EB: He’s considered one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world, how do you mentally prepare for that sort of challenge?
JM: Inoue is an exceptional fighter but I have dedicated my life to this sport for 17 years. I believe in my ability and know what I am capable of. No one works harder or makes more sacrifices than I do so I will always back myself and know that I can beat any bantamweight in the world.
EB: This fight, like your last against Leonardo Baez, will take place in the top rank bubble COVID Bubble, firstly How was that experience?
JM: I really enjoyed fighting in the bubble. Obviously I would love to have my family and friends over here to share this moment with but that can’t be. Top Rank have done a sensational job putting together the bubble and allowing boxing to continue under these circumstances and I am extremely grateful for this.
For me, fighting in the bubble was great. I walked to the ring and still felt that real fight night buzz, the nerves and the sense of a big occasion where all there which was great.
EB: That must be a real confidence boost! Do you think having experience in that environment will give you an advantage come the 31st?
JM: Yes, the fact that I have already experienced the bubble and know that I performed very well under the circumstances is definitely an advantage. It may not be a big factor but at the top levels these 1%s all add up.
EB: A win over Inoue would put you up there with the likes of Jeff Fenech and Kostya Tszyu in terms of the great Australian champions, what would it mean to you and to the people back home to Bring the belts back down under?
JM: This will be the best win by an Australian fighter in our history and that means the world to me. For me to achieve something so special and make history for my country is something which will bring me great pride. I can’t wait to bring these belts home to Australia!
EB: That’s certainly a world class motivation, well thank you Jason for your time and good luck on Saturday night!
Taking on Nayoa Inoue may to many seem a thankless task but as we saw with Lomachenko and Lopez, every boxer is human. Every boxer can be beaten by a man with the right mix of skills and attitude.
Jason Moloney, as he has just proved, has the attitude and mindset of a champion, all that is left to prove is does he have the skills to slay a monster.
Ewan Breeze for SimBoxx.
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