As ESPN continues to broadcast boxing cards all over the world, the network's next card being streamed on ESPN+ will feature a fighter in Andrew Moloney who could be on the precipice of a world title opportunity.
Moloney, an undefeated super flyweight boxer, will defend his WBA Oceania title against former world champion Luis Concepcion on September 8 as part of an ESPN+ card from Australia. In an exclusive interview with Fightful, Moloney said he was elated to hear that his fight against Concepcion will be seen by fans in the United States.
With the chance to showcase his skills in front of a brand new market, Moloney said he hopes to get the opportunity to fight in the United States sometime in 2019.
"I was already very excited for this fight and now to hear that the fight will be shown live in America, that has definitely added to the excitement even more. I would love to fight the U.S next year so this is a great way for me to introduce myself to the boxing fans over there," Moloney said.
But before Moloney can think of any big fights down the road or traveling to the U.S., he'll have to first contend with Concepcion. The 32-year-old Concepcion has been a mainstay in both the flyweight and super flyweight division for years, fighting some of the biggest names in both of those weight classes.
Facing Concepcion will not be an easy task, according to Moloney. Although he believes he can stop the former champion, Moloney stated that he needs to be prepared to go the distance as Concepcion has only ever been stopped twice in his 43-fight career.
"I’m sure it’s going to be a tough fight, I will need to stay focused for every second of the fight and use my boxing skills to make sure I have my hand raised at the end of this fight. I believe there is a chance I could stop Concepcion, but I have prepared to go the distance and I know how tough Concepcion is so my aim is to just make sure I win the fight. A knockout would just be a bonus," Moloney said.
While a win over Concepcion would be a nice resume booster for Moloney, the ultimate goal is to have the win catapult him into a world title shot. Although Moloney is ranked by all four governing bodies, Moloney's goal is to fight WBA super flyweight champion Kal Yafai, who coincidentally, defeated Concepcion back in 2016 to win the title.
"I have stated a few times that I would like the fight against WBA Champion Kal Yafai. I am hoping a win over Luis Concepcion will put me next in line to fight him," Moloney said.
The fight between Moloney and Concepcion will be the co-feature bout on the ESPN+ card on September 8 while the main event is a junior middleweight bout between Tim Tszyu and Marcos Jesus Cornejo.
