The bookmakers very rarely get it wrong but Joshua Franco upset the odds when he defeated world champion Andrew Moloney last night in Las Vegas.
Franco (17-1-2, 8KOs) gained the WBA Super Flyweight title by unanimous decision 115-112 and two cards of 114-113.
As the fight moved into the latter stages, Franco began to dominate, knocking Moloney to the canvas in the 11th and winning the 12th unanimously on all three judges cards.
“After the fourth round, I gained the momentum and figured him out. I always knew this was possible,” Franco said. “I wasn’t nervous when the decision was being read. I knew I’d done enough to win this fight. My coach, Robert Garcia, had me ready. I’m going home with the belt.”
It wasnt to be the American dream debut that the Australian, Moloney had hoped for. “It just wasn’t my night tonight, ” Moloney (21-1, 14KOs) said. “This was not the best version of Andrew Moloney, but full credit to Joshua Franco. He deserved to win the title with his effort. He closed the fight strong, like a true champion. “I’ll be back. One loss won’t define me.” Diaz Decisions Sanchez
There was an unanimous decision win for Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs) which moves him back into world contention. Diaz, from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, beat Jason Sanchez (15-2, 8 KOs) via 10-round unanimous decision (98-92 2x, 97-93).
It’s Diaz second win in a row since he lost to Shakur Stevenson in April 2019. “I can fight at featherweight, or I can make 122 pounds. Whatever Top Rank wants, but I’m ready for a big fight in either weight division. I am a completely different and improved fighter from the one who fought Shakur Stevenson last year,” Diaz said. “I worked on my power in the gym. My coaches, Nelson Rodriguez and Freddie Roach, got me ready for tonight.”
Making up the card where a pair of six rounders. Unbeaten Miguel Contreras (11-0, 6 KOs), from Bakersfield, California, beat Rolando Vargas (5-1, 5 KOs) by unanimous decision. All three judges scored it 58-56. The other six rounder cane in the heavyweight division as Helaman Olguin (8-3, 3 KOs) upset the previously undefeated Adam Stewart (8-1-1, 5 KOs) via majority decision by scores of 57-57 and 58-56 2x.
Photo credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
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