Australian Jason Moloney failed to claim the WBA and IBF bantamweight titles after failing Japan’s undefeated Naoya Inoue in Las Vegas in the seventh round.
Moloney, 29, suffered his second professional loss (21-2, 18 KOs) after Inoue (20-0, 17 KOs), nicknamed “The Monster” and considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world won with a knockout in the seventh round.
Moloney showed signs early on, but it was obvious that the Japanese master’s speed and strength were just too much.
Inoue landed a total of 107 strokes while Moloney only managed 62.
Moloney, who entered the bout as an $ 8 underdog, was knocked down via a left hook in the sixth round before the undefeated Inoue took care of business the following round.
Inoue was pleased with the win and attributed his efforts to Moloney, particularly mentioning defending the Aussie.
“The last blow, the last blow, I am very happy and satisfied with this blow,” Inoue said of the fight.
“Moloney has a great defense and it was difficult to get through. The two strokes I practiced a lot in Japan. I’m glad I got them to use.
“As you go through fights, you learn things from previous fights and I think I’m getting smarter and better.”
