“Third times a charm.” said Jason Moloney moments after the announcement of his WBO World Bantamweight title shot against Vincent Astrolabio (18-3, 13 KOs) in Stockton, May 13.
Moloney now - 25-2, 19 KOs - returns to America for his first title fight in over two and a half years against Astrolabio. However, it was a fight with Nonito Donaire that was top of the shopping list for the Australian.
“Ahh mate, boxing politics is the simplest way to put it.” Moloney explained regarding a missed opportunity to fight the multiple weight world champion “I really wanted the Donaire fight. I really did mate! We went over to the WBC convention, I worked hard to get myself in the number one position. I fought an eliminator to fight the number two in the WBC. We even faced-off at the convention in the hope the fight will happen.
Despite the hopes of going toe-to-toe with the Filipino superstar being torn away, the “dream” has always remained the same. An opportunity to reach the promised land beckons on May 13.
“I was directed to go the WBO route and they said I could fight Astrolabio for the world title.” Moloney continued “At the end of the day my dream is to become world champion, that’s what we’ve been working for. I did want the Donaire fight, but Top Rank are very good promoters that have guided and developed some of the best champions ever in boxing. So I’m going to listen to my promoters. The Donaire fight is something that can still be made down the track and get a unification. Another fight I would love is the Emmanuel Rodriguez rematch, obviously my full focus is on Astrolabio at the moment and winning that belt.
“I’ve done my research on Astrolabio, like I do for all my fights.” Moloney stated “He’s coming off two good wins, and he beat [Guillermo] Rigondeaux. Then he had an eliminator with the Russian, Nikolai Potapov, both were fights he wasn’t meant to win. He’s in good form and worked hard to get to this position. I’m sure he’ll be very hungry. It's every fighter's dream to win a world title. But watching him, he does things well, but I think I got him covered in just about every area of boxing. I think I’ll be far too much for him. Come May 13 I will achieve my dream of becoming world champion. I can’t wait, I just don’t think he’s got what it takes to beat me.”
