By Ian S Palmer
There’s a world title on the line this Tuesday, June 23rd when unbeaten Andrew Moloney of Australia defends his WBA Junior Bantamweight (Super Flyweight) crown against Joshua Franco of San Antonio, Texas. The 12-rounder from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas can be seen live in America on ESPN and ESPN Deportes while fans in Canada can catch it on TSN. Moloney last fought in November when he stopped Elton Dharry after eight rounds due to cuts to win the belt. Franco’s last action came in January when he stopped Jose Burgos in the ninth round.
Franco enters the ring with a mark of 16-1-2 with 8 Kos and is unbeaten in his last five outings. He’s boxed 111 rounds since turning pro in 2015 after a decent amateur career and has won the WBA International Bantamweight and NABF Bantamweight Titles since then. He’s best known for his three straight fights with Oscar Negrete in 2018/19 in which he earned a 10-round split decision and then fought to two 10-round draws.
Franco’s lone loss came in March, 2018 when he was stopped by Lucas Leone in the ninth round. He stands 5-feet-5-inches tall with a 67-inch reach and has a current knockout ratio of 42.1 per cent. The 24-year-old Franco’s also beaten the likes of Felipe Rivas, Carlos Maldonado, Isao Gonzalo Carranza and Oscar Mojica. Franco has skills and is entertaining and this is another good test for him.
As for Moloney, the 29-year-old native of Mitcham enters the ring with a perfect mark of 21-0 with 14 Kos. He’s boxed 118 rounds since his pro debut in 2014 and has quite a bit of power with a current knockout ratio of 66.7 per cent. He’s won four straight fights by stoppage and is hoping to impress in his American debut. Moloney’s also 5-feet-5-inches and has an unlisted reach.
Since turning pro he’s captured several Australian, Oceania and Commonwealth belts in the bantamweight and junior bantamweight divisions. Moloney’s hoping to land a shot with Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez to unite their titles sometime this year or next but will need to get past Franco first. So far, Moloney’s biggest wins have been against the likes of Miguel Gonzalez, Selemani Bangaiza, Luis Concepcion, Rene Dacquel, Aramis Solis and Raymond Tabugon.
Prediction…
Moloney has fought better opposition but Franco learned a lot in his trilogy against Negrete and is hungry for a world title. Moloney has a better chin and more power though and I think that’s enough for him to successfully defend his title on Tuesday night. But it’s not going to be easy.
