Aussie boxer felled by brutal KO from Japanese 'beast'

Australian boxer Jason Moloney proudly embraced his underdog status ahead of his double world-title fight against Japan’s Naoya Inoue - but it ultimately counted for nothing as their fight ended with a brutal knockout at the hands of the favourite.

Moloney entered the fight boasting a 21-2 record and 18 knockouts, two years after a controversial failed title bid in which he lost by a split decision against American Emmanuel Rodriguez.

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However Inoue proved why his 19-0 record had earned him favourite status, felling Moloney in the sixth round with a vicious right counter.

The Australian had struggled to keep up with Inoue’s fast footwork and variable pace, and despite getting up after being felled for the first time in his career, it was clear Moloney’s hopes were hanging by a thread.

There were no answers to be found in the seventh round, as Inoue finished the 29-year-old off with another brutal right hand.

Inoue’s record improved to 20-0 with 18 knockouts, retaining both his two welterweight belts and his emerging reputation as one of boxing’s most feared rising talents.

It had been just over a year since the Japanese fighter’s last outing.

Inoue had battled injuries since his last fight, and COVID-19 has setback his preparations.

But the understated warrior was confident he could keep his perfect record intact before the fight, showing some respect to Moloney’s ability to hang tough when he was outmatched.

"This past year, my injuries have healed very well," he said.

"It has been tough training (through COVID-19 restrictions), but it has been the same for everyone else.

"We still have to go out there and perform at a high level. I see (Moloney) as a high-level, all-around fighter."

With AAP

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