Joshua Franco won the WBA Super Flyweight world title with a 12-round unanimous decision over defending champion Andrew Moloney at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Moloney raced out and took most of the first half of the fight as he featured many body shots. The 2nd half of the fight was all Franco as he started landing his combinations at both mid-range and was started to wear Moloney down on the inside.
In round 10, a right hand cut Moloney under his left eye. In round 11, a combination that was highlighted by a left hand sent Moloney to the canvas. That proved to be the difference as Franco won by scores of 115-112 twice and 114-113 twice.
Franco, 115 lbs of San Antonio, TX is now 17-1-2. Moloney, 114.6 lbs of Kingscliff, AUS is 21-1.
“After the fourth round, I gained the momentum and figured him out. I always knew this was possible,” Franco said. “I wasn’t nervous when the decision was being read. I knew I’d done enough to win this fight. My coach, Robert Garcia, had me ready. I’m going home with the belt.”
“I always knew this was possible,” said Joshua Franco. “I knew the hard work would pay off in the end. Thank you to Golden Boy for the support and the opportunity. You were behind me 100% and now you have a new world champ.”
“After the first fourth round, I started to gain momentum and figure him out. The knockdown in the eleventh round was crucial. I needed it. But I slowly started to wear him down. By the end of the fight, I knew I had done enough to win. My coach, Robert Garcia, prepared me well.”
“Tonight, the first world title fight since the COVID-19 pandemic began took place, and a Golden Boy fighter stepped up to the challenge, entered enemy territory and dominated,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “Franco’s victory is special for us as he was part of an impressive group of young fighters that we signed back in 2015 as we were rebuilding our stable. Five years later, our mutual hard work has paid off. From debuting on our LA Fight Club series to headlining on national television, Franco has developed into a world champion.”
“It just wasn’t my night tonight,” Moloney said. “This was not the best version of Andrew Moloney, but full credit to Joshua Franco. He deserved to win the title with his effort. He closed the fight strong, like a true champion.
“I’ll be back. One loss won’t define me.”
Christopher Diaz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jason Sanchez in a featherweight fight.
Diaz, 124.9 lbs of Barranquitas, PR won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 to go to 26-2. Sanchez, 126 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 15-2.
“I can fight at featherweight, or I can make 122 pounds. Whatever Top Rank wants, but I’m ready for a big fight in either weight division. I am a completely different and improved fighter from the one who fought Shakur Stevenson last year,” Diaz said. “I worked on my power in the gym. My coaches, Nelson Rodriguez and Freddie Roach, got me ready for tonight.”
In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Miguel Contreras won a six-round unanimous decision over Rolando Vargas.
Vargas was cut on his nose in round two from a clash of heads.
Contreras, 137.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA won by 58-56 scores on all cards to take him to 11-0. Vargas, 137 lbs of Milwaukee, WI is 5-1.
Helaman Olguin won a six-round majority decision over Adam Stewart in a heavyweight bout.
In round one, Stewart was cut around the right eye from a clash of heads.
Olguin, 290 lbs of South Jordan, Utah won by sores of 58-56 twice, and 57-57, and is now 8-3. Stewart, 231.1 lbs of Phoenix, AZ 8-1-1.
