Andrew Moloney lines up final fight for 2018

WORLD rated super flyweight Andrew Moloney returns to the ring for his final outing of 2018.

The highly regarded 27-year-old, who is rated as the consensus sixth best in his division by THE RING Magazine, will travel interstate to face fellow WBA affiliated regional titleholder Cris Paulino on December 14th.

On the cusp of a title shot, the Australian is flanked by only his twin brother Jason and former WBO welterweight titleholder Jeff Horn, who are rated seventh and ninth best in their divisions, respectively.

Moloney (18-0, 11 KOs), who holds a slew of regional belts, including the WBA Oceania, Commonwealth & OPBF super flyweight titles, will risk his lofty status against Filipino Paulino (19-3, 8 KOs) in a scheduled ten round non-title fight.

The fight will serve as the headline attraction, topping the latest instalment of the popular “Thunderdome” series, presented by Dragon Fire Boxing in Perth, Western Australia.

Paulino, 25, is riding high whilst being in the midst of a five-fight win streak, albeit against modest opposition. The southpaw is no stranger to fighting in Australia, having previously faced future Hall of Famer Vic Darchinyan in his last defeat almost three years ago.

Despite his perceived limitations, the visitor has faced some world level opposition, including current WBA #8 rated Koki Eto, who is best known for his brief reign as interim WBA flyweight champion in Japan, lasting ten rounds in hostile territory.

“My preparation has been great for this fight so far,” said Moloney.

“I didn’t have any time off after my last fight as I was straight back in the gym to help my brother prepare for his fight. I got some good sparring while we were over in Orlando for Jason’s fight and I’m feeling great.”Having fought in just two states since turning professional in 2014, Moloney is relishing the opportunity to mark his Western Australia debut in his final appearance for the year.

“I’m excited to be fighting in Perth and I can’t wait to fight on Thunderdome at Metro City,” he added.

“I have never been to the venue before but I have watched the fights from there on TV and the atmosphere looks great. I’m really looking forward to it as I have fought in Perth as an amateur.”

“The last time I fought there, I had a great win over the WBC #1 bantamweight contender Duke Micah from Ghana.”

“We have studied my opponent Cris Paulino and we expect a very tough fight from him. It will be a good experience for me fighting against a southpaw, as this is only the second southpaw I have faced in my professional career.”

“My team has made offers to all the WBA rated fighters, including the current WBA titleholder Kal Yafai. I really hope I get the opportunity to fight Yafai next for the world title.”

“It’s disappointing to see that he is fighting a guy rated fourteenth in his next fight. Next year is looking very exciting for me and my team.”

“I really hope I get to achieve my dream of becoming world champion, I would love to do it in Australia.”

Photo: Justin Gan