On 6 June, at Hall A of the Aichi International Exhibition Centre (Aichi Sky Expo) in Tokoname, Aichi Prefecture, former WBA champion and third-ranked challenger Andrew Moloney (Australia) recaptured a world title, securing a 12-round majority decision victory over defending champion Willibaldo Garcia (Mexico). The bout was the first half of a world title doubleheader featured on the “3150FIGHT 10” card. Two judges scored the contest 115-113 in favour of Moloney, while the third saw it even at 114-114, ensuring Moloney claimed the IBF super-flyweight championship. Garcia failed in his maiden title defence.
マロニー㊨がガルシアのベルトを奪う
Garcia, as is his signature style, advanced steadily to unleash hooks from both flanks, while Moloney countered by stepping back and blocking before firing straight returns. In the second round, however, a clash of heads left Moloney with a cut above his left eye, prompting Garcia to instantly intensify his pressure with a barrage of punches. Moloney targeted the midsection with short counter-punches, while Garcia mixed in bold right uppercuts before slamming left hooks to the body. Concerned by the bleeding, Moloney appeared to be gradually losing ground.
In the fifth round, however, the momentum began to shift subtly as Moloney adjusted his strategy, maintaining a strict distance to make Garcia miss. Reclaiming control, Moloney landed short, straight punches with both hands to both head and body, while also timing left hooks to the midsection to systematically diminish Garcia’s momentum.
Having controlled the middle rounds, Moloney faced renewed pressure in the ninth when Garcia switched to a southpaw stance and pressed forward, replicating the high-volume combinations displayed in the opening rounds. Moloney remained disciplined, diligently seeking and landing left hooks to the body at crucial moments, though Garcia’s relentless work rate also left a strong impression.
The 35-year-old Moloney improved his record to 29-4 (18 KOs), with 1 no-contest. The 36-year-old Garcia fell to 23-7-2 (13 KOs), with 1 no-contest.
