Jason Moloney Captures WBO Title with a majority decision win against Vincent Astrolabio
The third time was a charm tonight for Jason “Mayhem” Moloney (26-2, 19 KOs) as he captured the vacant WBO bantamweight world title with a majority decision win against Filipino puncher Vincent Astrolabio (18-4, 13 KOs).
Moloney boxed intelligently to prevent Astrolabio’s ever-present power from hurting him. Astrolabio had some success in cutting the distance in the early rounds, but by the middle rounds, the 32-year-old native of Melbourne, Australia, began easily controlling the fight with constant footwork and jabs.
Despite a seemingly clear Moloney win, one judge scored the fight 114-114. That score was overruled by scores of 115-113 and 116-112 for Moloney, who will return home as champion.
Moloney said, “I thought I won it going away, but all that matters is the victory. And now I have this belt for the rest of my life.
“I broke my hand in the third or fourth round. It hurt every time I threw it. But I knew this was my last chance to make my dream come true.
“This is half the job done for Team Moloney. Next week, [twin brother] Andrew will join me as champion of the world.”
Top Rank