Vincent Astrolabio confident vs Moloney, plays mind games ahead of world title fight

Filipino contender Vincent Astrolabio is brimming with confidence ahead of his showdown with Jason Moloney for the vacant WBO world bantamweight title this Sunday (Manila time) at Stockton Arena in California, USA.

Astrolabio, 18-3 with 13 knockouts as a professional boxer, even brought a kangaroo stuffed toy to the pre-fight press conference seemingly to play mind games with his Australian foe.

"I am very determined to take the belt home to the Philippines for my family, my country, and my people," Astrolabio said.

"I am prepared 100 percent. I am very much ready for this fight. I have this stuffed kangaroo because I will give it to Jason. I have it because I think of Jason as a baby kangaroo."

Moloney, meanwhile, is a former world title challenger who has defeated several Filipino pugs in the past. His last Filipino victim was Aston Palicte, who he defeated by way of technical knockout in three rounds in June 2022.

According to Moloney, his time is now.

"I’ve been boxing for nearly 20 years now and chasing this one dream of becoming champion of the world. It’s something I think about every single day of my life. I train so hard," Moloney stated.

"I’ve made so many sacrifices to be in this position. So, I’m ready. Nothing will make me prouder than having that belt wrapped around my waist and sharing this special moment with my family and my team."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News