Andrew Moloney goes back on retirement plans, vows his ‘best is yet to come’

Andrew Moloney, a former junior bantamweight titlist, is gearing up for a comeback despite declaring after his last fight that he was done with the sport. 

The Australian Moloney will return to the ring on December 15 in Melbourne against Thai veteran Jakrawut Majungoen.

Moloney, 33, admits that emotions got the better of him following his split decision loss to Pedro Guevara in May, a fight he believes he won. The frustration, coupled with an injury requiring arm surgery, left him questioning his future. But time and recovery have rekindled his ambition.

“I never really left,”  Moloney told BoxingScene, who holds a 26-4 (16 KOs) record. “I was very upset after my last fight, and in the heat of the moment, I said I was done. But after the surgery and some time to reflect, the fire is still burning stronger than ever to become world champion again.”

Moloney has had his share of career disappointments, including a winless trilogy with Joshua Franco that left him with a controversial no-contest in their second bout. Still, Moloney is determined to end his career on a high note.

“I still feel like there’s unfinished business,” he said. “The second Franco fight and my last fight with Guevara—I believe I deserved to win both. Those moments could have changed the direction of my career. My only motivation now is to get my hands on another world title.”

Majungoen, 29, enters the bout with a 44-6-2 (25 KOs) record and on a two-fight win streak. A seasoned competitor, he poses a tough test as Moloney looks to climb back into contention at 115lbs.

Moloney is keeping a close eye on the IBF title scene after Fernando Martinez vacated the belt to pursue a December 31 showdown with Kazuto Ioka. The vacant title will be contested by Willibaldo Garcia and Rene Calixto Bibiano a week later in Japan.

“I’m currently rated No. 8, but after this fight, I hope to move up the rankings and earn an eliminator early next year,” said Moloney. “I’m confident I can beat the winner of the IBF title fight and get back to where I believe I belong.”

Despite setbacks, Moloney feels sharper than ever. “I’ve had over 30 professional fights now, and my experience is starting to pay off. My boxing IQ has improved a lot over the past year. I’m still getting better, and I believe my best is yet to come.”