Andrew Moloney claims world title two years after quitting in anger

Andrew Moloney has achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a world champion, two years after walking away from the sport in anger. The Australian boxer secured the IBF super flyweight world title in Japan after a grueling 12-round war against Mexican champion Willibaldo Garcia.

Moloney, the mandatory challenger, famously quit boxing two years ago after a contentious defeat in Perth. However, he reversed that decision, fought his way back with two wins, and earned a majority decision victory in Aichi. The 35-year-old's journey to the top has been marked by decades of hard work and significant sacrifice.

"I am the happiest man in the world," Moloney declared after the fight, joining cruiserweight Jai Opetaia as Australia's only current male world boxing champions. "There is not one person in the world happier than I am now. I have given everything in this sport for 20 years. There was no way I could leave this ring without winning this world title."

Despite an accidental head clash in the second round that caused a cut above his left eye, Moloney remained focused. He targeted Garcia's body and avoided the champion's aggressive tactics. His preparation was intense, including sleeping at his trainer's gym for a month and enduring significant personal sacrifices, such as spending time away from family and his business. The win also avenges a controversial loss of a world title strap six years ago to Josh Franco.

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I am the happiest man in the world. There is not one person in the world happier than I am now. I have given everything in this sport for 20 years. There was no way I could leave this ring without winning this world title.