Aus-Boxing.com

Aus-Boxing
Aus-Boxing

Champion vs. Champion: Moloney signs for Dacquel

UNBEATEN super flyweight sensation Andrew Moloney returns for the biggest test of his professional career on February 24th.

Moloney (15-0, 10 KOs) puts his WBA Oceania title on the line when he challenges hard-nosed veteran and IBF #5/WBC #11/WBO #12 rated Rene Dacquel for his OPBF championship at the St Kilda City Hall as the part of the seventh installment of Hosking Promotions ‘Punches at the Park’.

“The OPBF is a very prestigious belt especially in Japan where boxing is booming at the moment,” said Moloney in a press release issued by his management. “I claimed the OPBF Silver title in August last year – and I don’t like being second – to anyone so it’s only right that I now take on the full champion and become number one.”

“I’m expecting this to be the toughest fight of my career. Dacquel has beaten some very good fighters, winning and defending his OPBF title three times in Japan. I’m sure he’s not going to want to let go of his title easily.”

The 26-year-old Dacquel is no stranger to traveling, having fought abroad seven times in his professional career – including an impressive win over Thembelani Nxoshe in 2015 – for an IBO affiliated regional title in South Africa. Dacquel (20-6-1, 6 KOs) has been on a roll since winning the OPBF title in 2016, riding a five fight win-streak, which includes three consecutive wins in Japan.

Moloney, 27, is hopeful of securing a shot at reigning WBA super flyweight champion Khalid Yafai, if he’s successful in dethroning Dacquel in February. With lofty ratings across both the WBA and IBF, a world title shot in 2018 is a distinct possibility. Further to this, Moloney’s team are considering their options, following the popularity of the HBO funded ‘Super Fly’ series.

“I have watched a lot of Yafai’s fights. I hope he holds onto his title because I honestly believe I will beat him. There is no doubt that the super flyweight division is one of the most stacked divisions in boxing, but I believe I can match it with all these guys.”

“At the rate I’m improving under Angelo Hyder, it won’t be long before I take over the division. ”

Words: Press Release
Photo: Michael Capparelli

TOP