Andrew Moloney is back in the winning column after a devastating loss in his previous fight.

Moloney defeated Judy Flores by unanimous decision Saturday night at the Pullman Hotel in Albert Park, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Scores were 100-90, 100-90, and 97-93 for Moloney, who improved to 26-3 1 No Decision, 16 knockouts.

Flores was game throughout the entire fight, but Moloney utilized his pedigree and ring generalship to accumulate rounds. Moloney initiated exchanges with his jab, following up with two and three-punch combinations that landed at will.

Moloney forced Flores to fight off his back throughout much of the fight, where Flores attempted to counter with little success. When Flores did exchange in the pocket, there were instances of accidental clashes of heads, producing cuts over each eye of Moloney.

The victory over Flores took place almost seven months after Moloney lost by knockout to Junto Nakatani with the vacant WBO world junior bantamweight title at stake. Manager Tony Tolj stated Moloney did not want a pushover for Saturday’s fight, rather a fighter who would make Moloney work throughout the fight.

“Andrew wanted a young up-and-comer who would test him and push to prove that (Moloney) was still elite,” Tolj told krikya360.com. “That was Flores’ world title fight, and I know he gave everything. He had Nonito Donaire, Sr. (in his corner, so) you knew he did everything possible for the victory.

“Andrew improved every round in a well-disciplined performance.”

Prior to the loss to Nakatani, Moloney had won his previous four bouts, including victories over Floilan Saludar and Norbelto Jimenez. Moloney is also known for his trilogy against Joshua Franco in 2020 and 2021. 

The 32-year-old is the twin brother of WBO world bantamweight titleholder Jason Moloney.

Flores, who resides in General Santos City in the Philippines, falls to 13-2, 7 KOs. The 25-year-old had won his previous three fights since losing a one-sided decision to former world title challenger Antonio Nieves on May 21 of last year.

The nine-bout card was promoted by former fringe junior lightweight contender Will Tomlinson. 

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing