It feels like the universe is finally back in good graces with the Moloney family.
Twin brothers Jason and Andrew Moloney are both back in action this spring – and possibly five days apart, once Andrew’s title challenge of IBF 115lbs beltholder Willibaldo Garcia is formally announced.
For now, Australia’s Jason Moloney, 28-4 (20 KOs) is set to return versus Andre Donovan, 12-2 (8 KOs) atop an April 23 show at Fortitude Music Hall in Queensland’s Fortitude Valley.
“My goal is to become a two-time world champion,” Moloney vowed to BoxingScene. “Staying busy with the right fights is a big part of making that happen. This fight is another big step closer to that goal.”
The bout will mark the former WBO 118lbs titlist’s second ring appearance since signing with Mick Francis’ Tasman Fighters, making his debut under the company’s banner last December.
This show will also come in association with Goldstar Promotions, headed by Spencer Brown who is rapidly becoming one of the most powerful figures in the sport.
“The relationship with Tasman has been fantastic,” Moloney insisted “I’m really happy with the move and truly grateful to them for the opportunity. They’ve been great to work with and they really believe in what I can do in the sport.
“Mick also has some great connections in the sport. Having Spencer Brown involved is also a big plus. He’s someone who has strong relationships across boxing and has been involved in some massive fights. It gives me a lot of confidence knowing I’ve got a really strong team around me who are working to put me in the best position possible.”
A move was necessary after his previous stint with Top Rank. The union worked well for Moloney, who landed a 2020 fight with Naoya Inoue, and kept active long enough to land a shot at – and claim – the WBO bantamweight belt in a May 2023 victory over Vincent Astrolabio.
Moloney made one successful defense – a January 2024 scorcher with Saul Sanchez, whom he edged via majority decision. His reign ended four months later in a regrettable May 2024 unanimous decision to Yoshiki Takei. The fight saw Moloney close strong but he gave away too many early rounds to make up the difference.
Nearly eight months passed before his next opportunity, another dangerous road assignment versus Tenshin Nasukawa in Tokyo. Moloney provided a stiff challenge at a point when Nasukawa was a rising, unbeaten prospect-turned-contender. However, the strong showing didn’t lead to anything – it came as Top Rank was already beginning its exit strategy with ESPN.
A figurative shot of adrenaline was injected into his career upon signing with Tasman. His company debut came on a show topped by lineal, RING and IBF cruiserweight champ Jai Opetaia, unquestionably the nation’s best fighter at the moment.
Less than five months later, Moloney is back at it and with the prospect of an active 2026 very much in play.
“It feels great! More activity is something that I’ve really been chasing for the past few years and it’s always been really important to me,” noted Moloney. “I feel like when I’m active, I’m at my best and I really thrive off of feeling like I’m progressing, I’m improving and I’m moving closer to achieving my goals.
