There are very few things in sports that are as great as a boxing trilogy, and this one should be no different. Joshua Franco, 17-1-2 and Andrew Moloney 21-1, will face each other for the third time on Saturday. One will emerge the better man and the WBA world super flyweight champion.
Joshua Franco and Andrew Moloney have had their share of drama in the ring.
In the first fight, Andrew Moloney walked into the ring the champion and the favorite and while he had a strong start, he was ultimately overwhelmed and beaten by Franco, who made smart adjustments and even scored an 11th round knockdown. In this matchup, Franco outworked Moloney and wore him down. He threw 449 power punches to Moloney’s 295 and out landed Moloney 231 to 191. This ultimately became the deciding factor and Franco won the decision.
In the immediate rematch, Moloney again, got off to a fast start. But it didn’t get much further than that as the fight was stopped after the 2nd round as a result of Joshua Franco’s eye being swollen shut.
Cues controversy.
The Judge said the injury was a result of an accidental clash of heads. Moloney said it was as a result of his jab and successful first round. After taking a long look at the replay, the fight was ruled a no decision (because it was ruled that the clash of heads caused the injury and they had fought less than 4 rounds).
Moloney left the ring devastated. He believes he won his belt back that night. And is looking to prove that he is the better man. Franco is looking for a second victory over Moloney to erase any doubt that the second fight may have left.
Joshua Franco:
“It means everything to me. This fight means a lot and that’s why I prepared myself the very best in the gym. Winning this fight and making the statement I want to make will open up bigger doors for me. There were no issues at camp. Camp went very well, very good, so I’m ready to go.”
“Expect a great fight, a great show, fireworks, and expect for me to make a statement Saturday night.”
“{The second fight} was only two rounds. Two rounds don’t really show much. To me, the fight was going the same way as the first fight, but that’s why we’re making the third fight, to take care of business. I’m ready for that. “
Andrew Moloney:
“I think you can expect a great fight. I know Franco is going to be more determined this time around after the criticism he’s copped since that last fight and the whole world knowing that I should be the champ right now. But I’m coming even more determined with more to prove, and as I said, I’m doing this for my family and this is going to be a great night and I’m going to come out with that belt like I should’ve.”
Catch Joshua Franco vs Andrew Moloney 3 on Saturday at ESPN.
Who do you think will have their hand raise the third time around?