Jason Moloney given mandatory status for Commonwealth title Jason Moloney given mandatory status for Commonwealth title

Aus-Boxing.com

AUSTRALIA could boast it’s fifth Commonwealth champion in the space of eighteen months.

Undefeated bantamweight pocket rocket Jason Moloney has just been announced as the mandatory challenger for the Commonwealth bantamweight title, recently vacated by undefeated Ghanian Duke Micah, who is now pursuing opportunities in the US after signing a promotional pact with Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Boxing.

It’s been a remarkable twelve months for Australian boxing, which has seen Zac Dunn, Anthony Buttigieg, Kris George and Andrew Moloney lift the prestigious Commonwealth crown, which had long been deserted by Australian boxers given the high level of opposition that contests for the belt.

With twin brother Andrew winning the Commonwealth super flyweight title in his last outing, Jason (15-0, 12 KOs) will now have the opportunity in just his second fight at bantamweight.

The 26-year-old had another impressive campaign in 2017, disposing of capable Mexican Emanuel Armendariz in five heats, as well as scoring competitive decision wins over Marco Demecillo and Lolito Sonsona. In his last fight for the year, which was live streamed on our Facebook page, Moloney scored a Knockout of the Year candidate against Julias Kisarawe.

The decision to strip Micah (21-0, 18 KOs) was confirmed by Commonwealth Boxing Council Honorary Secretary Simon Block in their latest bulletin.

“With Duke Micah of Ghana having been unable to meet his CBC defence requirements despite an extension granted, the CBC has reluctantly declared the Bantamweight Championships vacant, this being applicable forthwith,” said Block. “We wish Duke and his team the very best of luck with his world title ambitions.”

“Jason Moloney of Australia is the mandatory in this weight division and he and his team are being permitted to make a match for the vacant Title against a suitable challenger, subject to the approval of the CBC.”

Moloney’s team, led by manager Tony Tolj and promoter Lynden Hosking, have begun negotiations with multiple opponents, with confirmation likely to follow in the coming weeks.