'Savage KO' seals Aussie boxer's first world title shot

Australian boxer Andrew ‘The Monster’ Moloney has secured a WBA world title shot after a ‘savage’ knockout win in Chile.

The undefeated 28-year-old took on Miguel Gonzalez in an eliminator bout for what was his first professional fight outside Australia.

Moloney, the oceania champion, went into the fight third in the WBA’s super flyweight rankings – one spot below his opponent.

But after a strong showing and a big KO, he has now jumped Gonzalez to become the mandatory challenger for the WBA title.

The 2014 Commonwealth Games flyweight gold medallist sent Gonzalez crashing to the floor with two close lefts late in the eighth round.

Down for five seconds before rising, Gonzalez staggered around the ring and was unable to compose himself.

“Savage knockout win for Andrew Moloney tonight in Chile,” Boxing Scene writer Jake Donovan wrote.

“Moloney is now mandatory challenger. My money’s on Monster no matter who wins in June.”

Reigning champion Khalid Yafai will face top-ranked contender Norbelto Jimenez on June 1.

Moloney must now cross his fingers that a title shot can be scheduled later this year, with a date in early 2020 still a possibility.

“This fight excites me a lot,” Moloney had said before his fight against Gonzalez.

“Travelling to Chile and fighting Gonzalez in his backyard only adds more excitement and motivation for me to put on a dominating performance.

“Gonzalez boxes well at distance and also punches well to the body. I believe his footwork and defense are his weakness.

“This is a huge step towards achieving my dream of becoming world champion and I’m going there to make a statement.”

A statement was made – and now he waits.