Jason Moloney celebrates after beating Vincent Astrolabio to win the vacant WBO bantamweight title in Stockton, California. Photo from Top Rank
MANILA, Philippines—Vincent Astrolabio came up short in his first world title shot, losing to Australia’s Jason Moloney on Sunday (Manila time) in at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California, USA.
It was third time’s the charm for Moloney, who finally became a world champion after a couple of failed attempts in the past.
Moloney (26-2 19KOs) claimed the vacant WBO bantamweight crown after edging Astrolabio by majority decision, 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112.
Jason Moloney is bringing the gold back home to Australia 🇦🇺 #JanibekButler pic.twitter.com/Kl23VlMFk9
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) May 14, 2023
The 26-year-old Astrolabio (18-4, 13KOs) saw his six-fight winning streak snapped.
Astrolabio also failed to join Marlon Tapales and Melvin Jerusalem as the only current Filipino world boxing champions.
Moloney was supposed to challenge another Filipino in Nonito Donaire for the WBC belt which was also vacated by Naoya Inoue. But Moloney opted to fight for the WBO title instead.
Vincent Astrolabio lands a punch against Jason Moloney during their world title fight in Stockton, California. Photo from Top Rank
Astrolabio also went the same route after knocking out Russia’s Nikolai Potapov in an IBF title eliminator last December.
All four major titles in the bantamweight division were relinquished by Inoue, who moved up to 122 pounds last January after becoming undisputed at 118.
The WBC strap will now be contested by Donaire and Mexico’s Alexandro Santiago with the location and date of the bout have yet to be announced.