It's Dangerous for Jason Moloney To Look Past Japanese Challenger
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 21 Mar 2024
Jason Moloney has accepted to fight, a defense of his WBO title, underneath Naoya Inoue's defense of his undisputed super bantamweight championship against Mexican Luis Nery this May 6, 2024.
His reason is that he can't pass up on the chance to fight in what he described as a huge, high profile promotion starring Inoue, arguably the world's best fighter to be held at spacious Tokyo Dome. The fight card which will also feature two all- Japanese world title fights is jointly promoted by Top Rank, Teiken and Ohashi promotions.
Jason however seems to look past his Japanese challenger Yoshiki Takei as he is targeting to figure in a big promotion back in Australia featuring George Kambosos if he succeed in beating Vasily Lomachenko or Sam Goodman who wants to bring Inoue Down Under in his own challenge of the Japanese Monster.
Jason likewise seems to underestimate Takei given his ring record of just eight wins in eight bouts. In spite of the fact that all his wins have come by KO or TKO, Moloney seems unfazed saying that he knows how to handle his Japanese challenger.
But it is dangerous for Moloney to have such mindset.
It may be true Takei is a former mixed martial arts fighter who has transitioned to boxing and has seen action in only so many bouts.
But in a recent feature, The Best 5 Countries in Boxing, the writer pointed to the Japanese proficiency in jiujitsu and mixed martial arts as the reason for their recent improvement in boxing especially in the areas of speed and accuracy.
The insinuation is that there may now be some cross training in MMA and jiujitsu or at least practical adaption in the development of Japanese boxers.
I have seen kickboxing bouts on ONE where Japanese fighters used their boxing skills more in beating their adversaries, including a Thai who was supposedly better in the sport.
One thing going for Takei is that he has been fighting at the heavier super bantamweight and will be going down to challenge Moloney for his bantamweight crown.
Based on his record, Takei has kayoed some named adversaries at 122 lbs as Pete Apolinar, Bruno Tarimo and Ronnie Baldonado and that should be a red flag for Jason Moloney not to look past his challenger.
The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Team USA Earns Three Wins on Day Two of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Women's Boxing Champion Signs with Combate Global, Still Aims For WBC Absolute Gold
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Sanman Boxing Presents Hard-Hitting Prospect Abubakar Yanon Set to Challenge for Philippine Boxing Federation Flyweight Title in Malungon, Sarangani Province
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Boxing Returns to Tropicana Atlantic City, July 25
Wed, 02 Jul 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 30 June 2025: Zurdo Outpoints Dorticos, Keeps WBA/WBO Cruiser Titles; Mbilli Stops Sulecki in 1; Wins by Kuroki, Wilder and Jake Paul
By Eric Armit, Tue, 01 Jul 2025IIEE Titans secured Finals in BPBL, IIEE Chessmasters retain on top level in Bundesliga
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025MARIO BARRIOS LAS VEGAS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Tue, 01 Jul 2025CATTERALL AND EUBANK LAY THEIR 'CARDS ON THE TABLE' AHEAD OF MANCHESTER SHOWDOWN
Tue, 01 Jul 2025Dumadag holds chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 01 Jul 2025Manny Pacquiao's Case for the Greatest of All Time
By Ace Freeman, Mon, 30 Jun 2025DavNor Adventure Race 2025 set July 2
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Gumila rules Antipolo rapid chess tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 30 Jun 2025FULL CIRCLE AT WILD CARD: Jhay Otamias’ Tribute to a Fighter and a Fanbase
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 30 Jun 2025Vince Paras Wins by 4th Round KO Over Sarawut Thawornkham to Capture the IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight Title
Mon, 30 Jun 2025Team USA's Quest for Gold Set in Stone at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Mon, 30 Jun 2025