Jason Moloney expressed disappointment in his performance despite securing victory against Andre Donovan, thus clinching the IBF Inter Continental Bantamweight Title. The 35-year-old boxer, a favourite in Brisbane, triumphed in a ten-round contest, winning by unanimous decision.
After the match, Moloney reflected on his high standards and stated, “Sometimes we win in sport, and that’s not enough for me. Just winning that fight wasn’t enough tonight. I’m pretty disappointed in my performance.” He acknowledged Donovan’s effort, commending him for a valiant fight and recognising his potential in the sport.
Donovan, hailing from Ohio, put Moloney under significant pressure, compelling the champion to adjust his tactics throughout the bout. Moloney noted that if he had adhered to his strengths and listened to his corner, he could have made the fight easier. He apologised to his team, further emphasising his commitment to improvement after a subpar display.
The fight featured an evenly matched opening, with both boxers exchanging punches without establishing dominance. Commentators noted Donovan’s active style in the early rounds, which disrupted Moloney’s rhythm. However, Moloney gained momentum in round four with a body jab that visibly impacted Donovan, whose efforts appeared increasingly desperate as the fight progressed.
As the match wore on, Donovan began to tire, allowing Moloney to take control and increase the intensity of his attacks. The crowd rallied behind the local fighter, particularly during the final round, where he pushed hard to seal his victory. Doctors assessed a cut on Moloney’s face with just over a minute remaining, but the bout continued, concluding with Moloney’s unanimous decision win.
Despite the title victory, Moloney’s introspection highlighted his desire for continuous improvement and adherence to his game plan in future fights. “Every time I’ve lost or had a dull performance, I’ve always got back in the gym and improved. So I’ll do that again,” he declared, setting a clear intention for his path ahead in boxing.