Joshua Franco Caps Trilogy Fight With Unanimous Decision Win Over Andrew Moloney

Joshua Franco topped Andrew Moloney in their trilogy fight on Saturday.

Franco (18-1-2, 8 KOs) defended his WBA super flyweight world title via unanimous decision over Andrew Moloney (21-2, 14 KOs) in the ESPN main event. The bout was a rematch from a controversial no-contest decision in November.

All three judges – which were chosen by the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission, not WBA – scored the fight 116-112 in favor of Franco. Franco connected with 127 power punches to Moloney’s 73.

Franco, of San Antonio, Texas, had consistent punches, landing clean, hard shots against Moloney. Moloney fought back, but it was Franco who was able to push back his rival.

“I had to switch it up on him. He thought I was going to put pressure on him the whole time. That wasn’t working, so I had to switch it up and go to my boxing skills,” Franco said.

“I had fun with my rhythm, with my jab, my feet. I’m comfortable in there, and that’s what I did.”

Franco scored a unanimous decision win over Moloney in June 2020. When the boxers met again for in November, Moloney closed Franco’s right eye and a ringside doctor stopped the fight in Round 2.

Referee Russell Mora ruled that the swelling was caused by an accidental clash of heads, deeming the fight as a no-contest. Moloney landed 51 punches compared to Franco’s 18.

“I’ll have to use this as motivation to come back stronger. It’s going to be a long road back,” Moloney said.

Moloney now prepares for a government-mandated 14-day quarantine in his homeland of Australia.