By REYNALD MAGALLON
Another Filipino is finally getting his shot a a world title as Vincent Astrolabio battles Australian Jason Moloney in a 12-round title fight for the vacant WBO bantamweight belt on Sunday, May 14 (Manila time) in Stockton, California.
The 26-year-ol Astrolabio, boasting an 18-3 record, 13 KO’s, is not coming in short of confidence as he even brought a baby kangaroo stuffed toy in an effort to mock his 32-year-old opponent during the fight press conference.
“I am very determined to take the belt home to the Philippines for my family, my country and my people. I am prepared 100 percent. I am very much ready for this fight,” said Astrolabio.
“I have this stuffed kangaroo because I will give it to Jason. I have it because I think of Jason as a baby kangaroo,” he added.
Astrolabio’s confidence is certainly not coming out of thin air especially after winning his last six matches including a six-round stoppage against Russian Nikolai Potapov that gave him a shot at a first world title and a unanimous decision win over former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
Moloney, though, sporting a 25-2 win-loss record, would not be an easy target for the hard-punching Filipino, stressing that he’s not letting the chance to once again slip away from his hands.
The Australian fighter likewise is on a roll as of late, coming into the clash on a four-fight win streak.
“It’s something I think about every single day of my life. I train so hard. 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,” said Moloney.
