Team Moloney intent on stealing the show at Adelaide Oval
BY the time Friday rolls around, the talk of the boxing town will be firmly affixed on the rematch between Anthony Mundine and Danny Green.
But if you look close enough, the future of Australian boxing could potentially be on display in the preliminary bouts at Adelaide Oval when accomplished twin brothers Andrew and Jason Moloney step through the ropes.
Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Andrew (11-0, 7 KOs) will look to keep the momentum of his standout 2016 campaign against hard-nosed import Renoel Pael (21-4-1, 11 KOs), while Jason (11-0, 10 KOs) will test the mettle of lively puncher Marco Demecillo (22-6-1, 17 KOs).
The boxing brothers, both 26, have recently returned from their training camp alongside mentor and head trainer Brian Butler at the famed ALA Gym in Cebu City, Philippines, where they trained and sparred with some of the best fighters in the Asia Pacific region.
When asked about his second training camp abroad in the Philippines, the WBA #10 rated super bantamweight couldn’t speak any higher of the experience.
“The training camp at ALA Gym was fantastic,” said Jason. “Myself and Andrew are trying to improve as fighters every day and we are willing to do whatever it takes to make us the best fighters we can be.”
“The quality of sparring at the ALA Gym along with the great conditioning work that they put us through made the trip very beneficial. Both times we have been over there, I feel that we have come back better fighters so it is definitely a worthwhile investment.”
The heavier of the two brothers will face an upset-minded Marco Demecillo, who has proven in recent decision losses to Valery Tretyakov and TJ Doheny, that he is capable of pushing some of the divisions best prospects. With that in mind, Jason is relishing the opportunity to face another aggressive opponent.
“Marco Demecillo is a very aggressive fighter who loves to come forward,” he explained. “I do like facing opponents who are willing to come forward and generally I can make their aggression play into my hands.”
“Marco is also a big puncher so I can’t afford to make any mistakes. I have done my homework and I’m very confident that I will get the job done.”
As for the lighter twin Andrew, who is currently WBA #11 at bantamweight, the durable assignment that is Renoel Pael – a fighter that has never been stopped as a professional – proves to be an exciting challenge on an equally broad platform.
“Renoel has never been stopped before and is a good fighter himself, but that is exactly what we want,” he added. “We are stepping up in competition every fight and want to be pushed in the ring to force us to improve.”
When asked if he thought becoming the first fighter to finish Pael would be the only way of making a statement, the dexterous bantamweight was emphatic in his response.
“No, I don’t think that is the case at all, Renoel is a good fighter.” he replied. “I plan on doing whatever it takes to get the win and putting on a great performance for the crowd.”
“Of course – I would love to get the knockout – but most importantly I want to show this massive crowd what I can do. Hopefully they will continue to follow myself and Jason’s careers.”
The twins co-manager Tony Tolj, who is renowned for his prior work with WBA Fighter of the Decade Chris John, looked no further than the Indonesian icon for his reasoning behind the burgeoning success of Team Moloney.
“I put it down to what Chris John calls the Three D’s – discipline, dedication and determination – a common trait shared by the entire team.” quipped Tolj. “Look at their work ethic and desire, this will be their seventh fight within twelve months.”
“They are the hottest commodity in Australian boxing.”
Photo: Justin Gan/East End Boxing