By Anthony Cocks
Super flyweight terror Andrew ‘The Monster’ Moloney is standing on the verge of achieving his lifelong goal.
The undefeated Australian powerhouse is expected to be installed as the WBA mandatory contender after his explosive one-punch knockout of world-rated Miguel Gonzalez in an away game in Chile in March 2019. Moloney, 28, has long coveted the black-and-gold strap that is currently slung around the waist of England’s undefeated Khalid ‘Kal’ Yafai.
As an amateur Moloney overcame a slow start to the sport – losing his first seven bouts – to compete at three World Championships and win Commonwealth gold at Glasgow in 2014, defeating the highly regarded Muhammad Waseem in the final. In the pro ranks he has gone from strength to strength, showing his class with every step up in competition.
Now with a world title shot on the immediate horizon we step into the ring to go 15 rounds with Andrew Moloney. Bombs away!
1. What attracted you to boxing in the first place?
MOLONEY: My twin brother Jason and I have always been extremely competitive with each other. Someone thought it would be a good idea to get us some boxing gloves for Christmas one year and a few good hit outs in the living room is what sparked the fire.
2. Toughest fight in the amateurs or pros?
MOLONEY: That’s a hard question, I’d probably say it was as my first ever international fight as an amateur. I fought against an Olympian from Hungary. I’d just turned 18, I was nowhere near good enough or experienced enough to be fighting at that level. I got dropped in the first round and beat up badly for the full three rounds. Luckily, I did end up fighting this same guy again just before the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and got my revenge.
3. Biggest puncher you’ve faced?
MOLONEY: All Filipinos have great power. Raymond Tabugon may be the biggest puncher I’ve faced. He was wild and every punch he threw, he was trying to put my lights out. He put me down in round three before I managed to stop him in the next round. It was a great fight!
4. What are the best and worst thing about being a boxer?
MOLONEY: The best thing is I am able to make a living from doing something I love. It keeps me healthy and gave me the discipline to make good decisions when growing up. The worst thing is having to make weight and the sacrifices that you have to make to be your best. I’ve lived away from my family for most of the last 10 years.
5. What is your most defining win of your career?
MOLONEY: I still feel winning Gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games is my greatest moment in boxing.
6. What are your goals for the next 12 months?
MOLONEY: To become World Champion!
7. What are some your hobbies away from the ring?
MOLONEY: Away from the ring I try to spend as much time as I can with my family and friends. I don’t really have hobbies, boxing is my life.
8. Who is always ringside for you fights?
MOLONEY: My wife Chelsea, my family, my manager, my coach and my main sponsor Ian.
9. Who has been biggest influence on your career?
MOLONEY: My dad and Danny Green. Danny has always been someone I have looked up to and he has helped guide mine and my brother’s careers to where we are today. I have always wanted to achieve something great and make my dad as proud as I possibly can.
10. What fight have you learnt the most from?
MOLONEY: My last fight was a world title eliminator in Chile. I fought against the world number two (Miguel Gonzalez) in his backyard and was up against a good fighter but also the crowd, the referee and the judges. I had to stay calm and listen to my corner and I got the job done. I had to deal with a lot in this fight as well as travelling overseas. This was a great experience for my career.
11. What is something our readers would be surprised to learn about you?
MOLONEY: I’m about to become a dad in around eight weeks’ time.
12. Do you have any superstitions or rituals you follow in the lead-up to fight night?
MOLONEY: No, I don’t. I did many years ago but I believe these are for mentally weak people.
13. What is your favourite post-fight feed?
MOLONEY: Pizza, burgers, ice cream, chocolate and cookies to name a few, haha.
14. Why would we find you when you’re away from the gym?
MOLONEY: I’m pretty basic, I love going to the beach, playing with my dog, going out for dinner and just spending time with my family and friends.
15. If you weren’t boxing, what would you be doing?
MOLONEY: I would probably own a gym. I have always had a huge passion for health and fitness. I had my own personal training business for eight years before taking on boxing full time.