Jason Moloney vs. Vincent Astrolabio: Australian wins world title on third attempt

Tom Naghten

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Jason Moloney vs. Vincent Astrolabio: Australian wins world title on third attempt image

Australia's Jason Moloney has won the vacant WBO bantamweight title with a majority decision victory over Vincent Astrolabio in Stockton, California.

Moloney boxed beautifully for much of the fight, keeping his dangerous Filipino opponent at bay with the jab and some classy footwork.

Astrolabio remained a threat on the counter but Moloney was able to avoid the big shots and earn the win on two judges' cards, while the third had it a draw (115-113, 116-112, 114-114).

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Moloney had twice previously fought the world title, falling agonisingly short by split decision to Emmanuel Rodriguez in 2018 and, in 2020, going down to pound-for-pound superstar Naoya Inoue.

The 32-year-old, originally from Victoria, would not be denied a third time, combatting the knockout threat of Astrolabio with his expert ring generalship and crisp lead hand.

In a week's time, Moloney will be cheering on identical twin brother Andrew, who fights Junto Nakatani for the WBO super-flyweight title on the Devin Haney vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko undercard in Las Vegas.

But for now, it's all about Jason "Mayhem" Moloney.

Here's how it happened:

Jason Moloney vs. Vincent Astrolabio live results, updates

Round 12: The pair tangle after clinching up and both end up on the mat after a quick wrestle. Astrolabio steps on the gas but Moloney avoids any damage. The Aussie should get the nod.

115-113 Moloney

Round 11: Another good three minutes from Moloney. Astrolabio not fighting as urgently as perhaps he ought to be but that's thanks in part to Moloney's ability to get out of trouble and keep him at bay with the jab.

106-103 Moloney

Round 10: A strong round from Moloney who boxes well and keeps Astrolabio off him, timing him with the jab coming in. 

96-94 Moloney

Round 9: Interesting round as Astrolabio looks to pick up the pace even further. Moloney on the back foot but defending well. Moloney then mounts some offence of his own, landing a counter right and a left hook. Could go either way.

86-85 Moloney

Round 8: Astrolabio gets a bit more aggressive late in that round after Moloney stayed on the jab and continued moving for the opening two minutes. Close round.

77-75 Moloney

Round 7: Another one in the bank for Moloney on our card. He's sticking to his gameplan well, boxing on the outside and avoiding Astrolabio's counters.

68-65 Moloney

Round 6: Nice round for Moloney who is boxing well. Lands a flush right hand and controls the distance with his jab. Astrolabio definitely still a threat but things appear to be going to plan for the Australian so far.

58-56 Moloney

Round 5: Close round as the fight begins to find its rhythm. Moloney busy with the jab as Astrolabio continues to wait on the counter left hook and right uppercut.

48-47 Moloney

Round 4: Moloney's best round of the fight so far as he comes back strongly. Finds the target with the left hook early on and lands a clean 1-2 later on. Astrolabio tries to press a bit but Moloney lets him know he won't have it all his own way.

38-38

Round 3: Astrolabio lands the biggest shot of the fight, timing Moloney on the way in with a right uppercut. It's a shot Astrolabio has been favouring and having success with.

29-28 Astrolabio

Round 2: Another tight one with Moloney the more active of the pair as Astrolabio waits on the counters. Moloney takes a few on the way in but no big shots landed as yet. 

19-19

Round 1: Very close opening round. Both fighters looking to build around their jab. Moloney slightly busier but does eat a solid uppercut. Could go either way.

SN unofficial scorecard: 10-9 Moloney

12pm: Jason Moloney and Vincent Astrolabio are in the ring in Stockton. Fight moments away.

Jason Moloney vs. Vincent Astrolabio start time

Moloney and Astrolabio will be meet as the co-main event to the WBO middleweight world title bout between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Steven Butler on May 13 (May 14 in Australia).

The main pay-per-view portion of the event is due to begin at 12pm AEST.

Moloney and Astrolabio are expected to be in action shortly after that.

How to watch Jason Moloney vs. Astrolabio?

Moloney vs. Astrolabio will appear as part of the pay-per-view broadcast for Alimkhanuly vs. Butler.

Fans wanting to tune in live in Australia can purchase the card through Foxtel's Main Event for $29.95.

Jason Moloney vs. Astrolabio live stream

Aussie fans will also have the option to stream the fights live.

Kayo subscribers can purchase the event and tune in through the app for an additional payment of $29.95.

Purchase the fight on Kayo here.

Jason Moloney vs. Astrolabio fight card

Main card

  • Janibek Alimkhanuly vs. Steven Butler, 12 rounds for the WBO middleweight title
  • Jason Moloney def. Vincent Astrolabio via majority decision for the vacant WBO bantamweight title

Preliminary fights

  • Ruben Villa vs. Maickol Lopez Villagrana via round five TKO, featherweight
  • Javier Martinez vs. Joeshon James, split draw, middleweight
  • Amado Vargas def. Bernardo Manzano via unanimous decision, featherweight
  • Brian Norman Jr def. Jesus Antonio Perez Campos via unanimous decision, welterweight

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.