Japan’s Yoshiki Takei is the new WBO bantamweight world champion after a unanimous decision victory (116-111×3) over Jason Moloney in Tokyo.
In just his ninth professional fight, the former kickboxing standout looked at home with the pision’s elite, dominating much of the fight with his length, speed and movement.
A point deduction for repeated low blows in the second round did not deter Takei, as he was able to keep Moloney at bay for much of the first half of the fight, scoring with straight left hands on the counter and pressing forward.
Moloney looked to press the action as the fight progressed and had some moments of success, but Takei quickly found his rhythm again.
Feeling his belt slipping away, Moloney applied pressure in the final round and had Takei seriously injured and willing to go to the final bell.
The Australian could not deliver the knockout blow, seeing that the belt belonged to Japan on the most important night of this sport in the country.
That’s how it developed.
Jason Moloney vs. Yoshiki Takei Result and Updates
Moloney vs. Takei: SN Live Unofficial Scorecard
| Round | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | eleven | 12 | Total |
| moloney | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 111 |
| take i | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 116 |
Round 9: Some of the sting has gone out of Takei’s shots as Moloney continues to advance. Takei stumbles back after an exchange, but it was an accidental headbutt. Solid round from Takei, picking shots off him on the counter.
Round 8: Moloney staggers Takei with a right hand early on. The Aussie is taking some shots now. Moloney’s punches are having an impact. Takei lands some good uppercuts, but Moloney uses them well. Close round.
Round 7: Great round from both guys! The urgency now clears from Moloney and he finds the target with several punches before finishing the combinations with a right hand. Takei was happy to trade with him, but was a little reckless on defense.
Round 6: Takei lands a piston-like 1-2 early on, the most significant hit of the fight. He has his time down, there’s no doubt. Moloney moves forward and lands some big shots. Moloney falters right at the end of the round just as he was gaining momentum.
Round 5: Takei’s range, speed, and movement advantages are proving too much for Moloney at range. The Australian will have to start taking some risks or hope that Takei slows down. Moloney had some success in that round, but Takei’s counters see him take it on our chart.
Round 4: Takei is very confident now. Moloney apparently struggles to hold on as he slips a couple of times. Takei launches an attack while he backs up the champion.
Round 3: Another round of Takei. The left-hander seems to have an advantage in speed, in his feet and in his hands, for the moment. Moloney can’t avoid any offense as Takei goes to work on the inside as the Australian covers up.
Round 2: Another low shot for Takei and Steve Willis takes a point. Other than that, Takei seems comfortable so far. Moloney has yet to implement his game plan. Moloney is happy to use some guard shots as Takei flails around. Takei finds joy with the left to the body.
Round 1: Cautious opener. Takei warned a few times for going down with his back hand. Nothing significant lands, but the challenger is a little busier.
We’re ready to go! Moloney and Takei head to the ring for the co-star now.
CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL CARD RESULTS
What time is Jason Moloney vs. Yoshiki Takei in Australia?
The Inoue-Nery PPV will begin at 6pm AEST on Monday, May 6.
Moloney vs. Takei will be the penultimate fight of the night, meaning the pair should enter the ring around 8:20 p.m., although the timing will depend on how long the previous fight lasts.
The main event is expected to begin around 9:30 p.m.
How to watch Jason Moloney vs. Yoshiki Takei in Australia? Television channel, live broadcast.
| Region | television channel | Live broadcast |
| Australia | Main event | Kayo PPV |
| USA | ESPN | ESPN+ |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Arena | Sky GO Sports |
The Inoue vs. PPV Nery will be broadcast live on Foxtel’s Main Event.
Alternatively, fans can order the PPV via streaming platform Kayo.
The event will cost $49.95.
Fight card between Naoya Inoue and Luis Nery
- Naoya Inoue (c) vs. Luis Nery for the IBF, WBA, WBC, WBO and Ring super bantamweight world titles
- Yoshiki Takei defeated. Jason Moloney (c) via UD 12 (116-111×3) for the WBO bantamweight world title
- Takuma Inoue (c) defeated. Sho Ishida via UD 12 (118-109×2, 116-111) for the WBA bantamweight world title
- Seigo Yuri Akui (c) defeated. Taku Kuwahara via UD 12 (118-110, 117-111×2) for the WBA flyweight world title
- TJ Doheny defeated. Bryl Bayogos by TKO 8; super bantamweight
