Philippines, 21 Jul 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


And New: Joshua Franco Upsets Andrew Moloney to win Super Flyweight Title

PhilBoxing.com




LAS VEGAS (June 23, 2020) — According to the oddsmakers, it was an upset, but Joshua Franco (17-1-2, 8 KOs) was not surprised. Franco defeated Andrew Moloney via unanimous decision to win the WBA super flyweight world title Tuesday evening by scores of 115-112 and 114-113 2x.

Franco dominated down the stretch, knocked Moloney down in the 11th round and swept the 12th on all three judges' cards to secure the victory.

“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.”

Moloney (21-1, 14 KOs), from Melbourne Australia, was making his American debut.



“It just wasn’t my night tonight," Moloney 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

Christopher "Pitufo" Diaz (26-2, 16 KOs) is back in the world title picture. Diaz, from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, bested Jason Sanchez (15-2, 8 KOs) via 10-round unanimous decision (98-92 2x, 97-93) in a crossroads featherweight fight.



Diaz has now won two in a row since an April 2019 decision loss to Shakur Stevenson. He has his sights set on a world title opportunity at either featherweight or junior featherweight.

“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.”

— In a six-round battle of unbeaten junior welterweight prospects, Miguel Contreras (11-0, 6 KOs), from Bakersfield, California, bested Rolando Vargas (5-1, 5 KOs) by unanimous decision. All three judges scored it 58-56.

— In a six-round heavyweight bout, 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.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • PHILBOXING.COM WEEKEND ROUNDUP: News, Fallout, and the Long Shadow of Sydney
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • Joe Hand Promotions Secures Commercial Rights for Errol Spence Jr. vs. Tim Tszyu Showdown
    , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • Grandy Twins Head to Tampa to Learn from Hall of Famers Antonio Tarver and Winky Wright Ahead of August 14 Homecoming Fight
    , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • Matchroom Extends Brentwood Town Fc Partnership as Principle Partner for Next Five Years as Barry Hearn Obe Provides Significant Investment to Non-League Football Club
    , Tue, 21 Jul 2026
  • IBA Pro announces departure of Director Al Siesta
    , Mon, 20 Jul 2026
  • Suarez sends strong signal
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 20 Jul 2026
  • THE CORNER SHIFT: Can Ronnie Shields Rebuild Errol Spence Jr. After the Derrick James Fallout?
    By T. Chin-Te, , Mon, 20 Jul 2026
  • Yusniel Abrahante Shocks Undefeated Luis Coria in Dominant Performance Live on ProBox TV
    , Sun, 19 Jul 2026
  • Salamov stops Suarez as Borshchev beats Brito at historic IBA Bare Knuckle US debut
    , Sun, 19 Jul 2026
  • Pichay re-elected NCFP prexy, eyes more GMs
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 19 Jul 2026
  • Olympus Rising by TWC - Amateur MMA Fight on Saturday; live broadcast via Kalaro 3.0 Sports Super-app
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 19 Jul 2026
  • Suarez Obliterates Avila in One-Round Blitz to Capture WBO International Crown (Photos)
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 19 Jul 2026
  • Spence vs Tszyu, The Biggest Crossroad Fight Of 2026!
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Sun, 19 Jul 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls Power Past Host Peru, Finish World Cup Campaign on a High Note
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 19 Jul 2026
  • Diego Pacheco and Immanuwel Aleem Tip Scales for Carson Showdown
    , Sat, 18 Jul 2026
  • Weights From ‘Flores vs. Navarro’ and 'Suarez vs Avila' at NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA &  Live on ProBoxTV
    , Sat, 18 Jul 2026
  • Tickets on Sale Now for Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Damian Knyba at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ on Sept 4 – Live on TNT and DAZN
    , Sat, 18 Jul 2026
  • Golden Boy Promotions and Vergil Ortiz Jr. Reach Settlement, Focus on Biggest Fights Ahead
    , Sat, 18 Jul 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Blu Girls Pull Off Stunning Comeback Against World No 3 Puerto Rico, Split Doubleheader in Lima
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 17 Jul 2026
  • "Pipino" Cuevas: 50 Years as Mexico's Youngest World Champion
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 17 Jul 2026
  • IBA Secretary General & CEO, Chris Roberts OBE: Regulation is how IBA pave the way forward for Bare-Knuckle Boxing
    , Fri, 17 Jul 2026
  • EVERY WORD FROM THE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE FOR PACHECO VS. ALEEM IN CARSON, CALIFORNIA
    , Fri, 17 Jul 2026
  • WBO Youth Champion Esteban Garson Signs Agreement with Tuto Zabala Jr.'s All Star Boxing, Inc.
    , Fri, 17 Jul 2026
  • Wheels and Waves 2026 at August 8 & 9 in Samal
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 17 Jul 2026
  • FM Rico Salimbagat leads IIEE Chessmasters team in Bundesliga
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 17 Jul 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.