Japan's Yoshiki Takei is the new WBO bantamweight world champion following a unanimous decision (116-111x3) victory over Jason Moloney in Tokyo.
In just his ninth professional fight, the former kickboxing standout looked right at home with the division's elite, dominating much of the fight with his length, speed and movement.
A point deduction for repeated low blows in the second round didn't deter Takei as he was able to keep Moloney at bay for much of the first half of the fight, scoring with straight lefts on the counter and pressing forward.
MORE: Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery live updates, result, highlights
Moloney looked to press the action as the fight went on and had some moments of success but Takei was quick to find his rhythm again.
Sensing his belt slipping away, Moloney poured on the pressure in the final round and had Takei hurt badly and willing for the final bell.
The Australian couldn't find the knockout blow, seeing the belt had to Japan on the sport's biggest night in the country.
Here's how it played out.
Jason Moloney vs. Yoshiki Takei result and updates
Moloney vs. Takei: SN live unofficial scorecard
| Round | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Total |
| Moloney | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 111 |
| Takei | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 116 |
Round 9: Some of the sting has gone out of Takei's shots as Moloney continues to press forward. Takei stumbles backwards following an exchange but it was an accidental headbutt. Solid round by Takei, picking his shots on the counter.
Round 8: Moloney wobbles Takei with a right hand early on. The Aussie putting some shots together now. Moloney's jabs are making an impact. Takei lands some nice lead uppercuts but Moloney wears them well. Close round.
Round 7: Great round from both guys! The urgency clear from Moloney now and he finds the target with several jabs before finishing off the combinations with a right. Takei happy to trade with him but he was slightly reckless in defence.
Round 6: Takei lands piston-like 1-2 early on, the most significant punch of the bout. He's got his timing down, no question. Moloney presses forward and lands some big shots. Moloney is wobbled right at the end of the round just as he was building some momentum.
Round 5: Takei's reach, speed and movement advantages are proving too much for Moloney at range. The Australian is going to have to start taking some risks or hope Takei slows down. Some success for Moloney that round but Takei's counters see him take it on our card.
Round 4: Takei extremely confident now. Moloney seemingly struggling for grip as he slips a few times. Takei launches an assault as he backs the champ up.
Round 3: Another Takei round. The southpaw appears to have to the speed advantage, in the feet and the hands, at the moment. Moloney can't get any offence off as Takei gets to work on the inside while the Australian covers up.
Round 2: Another low shot for Takei and Steve Willis takes a point. Apart from that, Takei looking comfortable so far. Moloney yet to implement his gameplan. Moloney happy to wear some shots on the guard as Takei flurries. Takei finding joy with the left to the body.
Round 1: Cagey opener. Takei warned a couple times for going low with his rear hand. Nothing significant lands but the challenger slightly busier.
We are ready to go! Moloney and Takei are making their way to the ring for the co-main now.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL CARD RESULTS
What time is Jason Moloney vs. Yoshiki Takei in Australia?
The Inoue-Nery pay-per-view is set to start at 6pm AEST on Monday, May 6.
Moloney vs. Takei is set to be the penultimate fight of the evening, meaning the pair should step into the ring around 8:20pm, although the time will depend on how long the previous bout goes.
The main event is expected to begin around 9:30pm.
How to watch Jason Moloney vs. Yoshiki Takei in Australia? TV channel, live stream
| Region | TV channel | Live stream |
| Australia | Main Event | Kayo PPV |
| USA | ESPN | ESPN+ |
| UK | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena | Sky Sports GO |
The Inoue vs. Nery pay-per-view will be broadcast live on Foxtel's Main Event.
Alternatively, fans can order the PPV through streaming platform Kayo.
The event will cost $49.95.
Naoya Inoue vs. Luis Nery fight card
- Naoya Inoue (c) vs. Luis Nery for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring super bantamweight world titles
- Yoshiki Takei def. Jason Moloney (c) via UD 12 (116-111x3) for the WBO bantamweight world title
- Takuma Inoue (c) def. Sho Ishida via UD 12 (118-109x2, 116-111) for the WBA bantamweight world title
- Seigo Yuri Akui (c) def. Taku Kuwahara via UD 12 (118-110, 117-111x2) for the WBA flyweight world title
- TJ Doheny def. Bryl Bayogos via TKO 8; Super bantamweight
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