Jason Moloney Out To Make ‘Australian Boxing History’ in Tokyo

“I want to make sure that this is remembered as one of our great Australian boxing victories, going over to the Tokyo Dome and fighting on this huge show, coming home as a World champion and retaining my belt,” Moloney told FightsATW.

“When you stop and think about the names, the historic fights, and some of the best moments of Aussie boxing history, where you speak about Lionel, Johnny Famechon, and those fellas. It’s amazing to be a part of that, in a sense. I love the sport of boxing, and I’m proud to fly the Aussie flag on the international stage. To go over to Japan and write a little page of history myself is something that I’m really excited and honored to be doing.”

Stakes in the Takei clash are further heightened by the expectation placed upon Moloney’s shoulders. Though Australia might be seen to be going through a golden period within the sport at a global level, the 33-year-old is the nation’s only current male world champion. Tim Tszyu’s bloody loss to Sebastian Fundora in March and the IBF’s controversial decision to strip Jai Opetaia of the cruiserweight crown in December of last year have resulted in the hopes of a nation lying solely with Moloney. It is a cross that he proudly bears. “For me, it’s very important to remain champion and keep flying the flag,” Moloney said.

“It’s an immense honor to be able to do that and to keep the fire alight for Aussie boxers and the future, younger fighters coming through. It’s important that we have success and continue to be successful. To not only fight for world titles, but to win world titles and retain world titles. I know that we’ve still got so much talent on the horizon and guys and girls who are in good positions, but being in good positions and being a part of world title fights isn’t good enough. We need to have champions and really earn respect on the world stage.”

The added pressure has not shifted focus from the impending challenge that the unorthodox Takei poses. Having chalked up eight knockout victories from as many fights to start his transition from a world championship kickboxing career, the Yokohama native poses a unique threat to Moloney’s reign.

While he admits that the unknown elements of the enigmatic Takei are somewhat unnerving, the champion is full of conviction in his preparation. Spurred on by an elite-level training camp that has seen him fly three Japanese sparring partners out to his Kingscliff base to emulate the tricky southpaw awaiting him, Moloney feels confident he can handle the task at hand. Or better yet, do so in a manner that etches his name into the fans’ memories worldwide for years to come.

“It’s hard to know what to expect from Takei really. He’s had fights where he’s tried to press the action a little more, and he’s had fights where he’s been really on the back foot and not really engaging too much,” Moloney concluded.

“We’ve role-played, and we’ve had every different situation with the sparring in the preparation so that we’re ready for whatever he brings to the table. For me, it’s always about what I bring to the ring and making sure I fight to my strengths, that I can gain control, I’ll dictate the pace and distance of the fight, and that I’m landing the cleaner shots.

“I really think this is going to be a great performance from me. I feel like I’ve had a great preparation, and I’m in a really good position. I’d like to stop this guy inside the distance and sort of make a statement over there. I want this to be remembered as one of the best wins in Australian boxing history. A good performance is in order, but I’ve put in the hard work to make sure that it happens. I’m really excited to bring it out.”