Andrew Moloney talks improvement between fights and removing distractions

ANDREW Moloney stood alone atop the list of best performing prospects in 2016.

The former Commonwealth Games gold medallist was a standout, accumulating six wins while defending his WBA affiliated regional title twice. Due to the impressive nature of his victories, Moloney broke into the top fifteen with the organisation, where he now sits at number eleven.

Moloney, 26, will make the third defence of his WBA Oceania throne on Saturday night, when he meets another credible opponent in the form of Cintalapa resident Aramis Solis. Unlike most prospects with similar experience, Moloney has consistently faced fighters that have possessed the ability to threaten him.

In just twelve fights, Moloney has already collected state and national title honours, while also earning a marquee win over former world title challenger Jether Oliva. In addition to this, the combined record of his last four opponents reads as an impressive 77-19-3, which gives credence to Moloney’s surge up the bantamweight ranks.

Having recently moved interstate alongside his twin brother Jason, the Moloney brothers begin a new chapter in their professional careers under the guidance of Angelo Hyder. When probed on his first training camp in his new surroundings, Moloney spoke fondly about the smooth transition.

“We are settling in up here really well and I’m really enjoying it,” said Moloney to Aus-Boxing. “At the moment its just Jason and myself up here, so it feels like a proper training camp.”

“There are no distractions – we don’t really know anyone here – so all we have been focusing on is our training, eating well and our recovery. It’s been perfect, we couldn’t ask for a better camp. We’ve picked up a few flaws and weaknesses in my game.”

“I’m working extremely hard to fix those and make myself a better fighter.”

“These things will probably take a little bit of time to adjust to, but feel I’m improving in the gym everyday and that’s all I can ask for. I’m just focused on becoming a better boxer over all.”

“I feel like I’m improving in the gym and hopefully you will see that come out in my performance on fight night. Angelo has been really good and he has picked up a few things that I could do better. Now I’m working on making sure I get the most out of myself and be the best boxer I can be.”

Given his lofty rating and the likelihood of earning an eventual title shot, it’s understandable to see why Moloney (12-0, 7 KOs) and his team are in no rush. To his credit, Moloney is still looking to improve before eventually setting himself up for a title tilt next year.

“I’ve been sitting at number eleven for some time now, so I really want to break into the top ten,” he added. “My goal this year is to just improve as much as I possibly can. I’m not in a real rush to call anyone out just as yet, but I’m really focused on putting on some impressive performances and improve in the gym to set a up a for what will be a really big year next year.”

“I’m keen to continue improving on little things – they can make a huge difference at the top level – it can be the difference between winning and losing.”

“It feels like ages since I’ve been in the ring, so I’m just looking forward to getting back in there,” he concluded. “I want to show the improvements I have made in my training. I’m really hoping I can show them on fight night and all the hard work I’ve put in pays off.”

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Photo: Justin Gan/East End Boxing