Andrew Moloney vs Norbelto Jiminez Preview October 15th, 2022
The vacant WBO International Super Flyweight Title is on the line this Saturday, October 15th in Melbourne, Australia when local favourite Andrew Moloney takes on Norbelto Jiminez of the Dominican Republic. The 10-round bout will be shown on ESPN and ESPN+ in America and on TSN 4 in Canada on the undercard of the Devin Haney vs George Kambosos battle. Moloney last fought in June when he stopped Alexander Espinoza after the second round while Jiminez last saw action in April when he beat Keyvin Lara via a 10-round unanimous decision.
Moloney vs Jiminez Betting Odds
Here are the betting odds from online sportsbook BetOnline.ag (full review here).
- Norbelto Jiminez +260
- Andrew Moloney -350
My Pick
The 31-year-old Moloney enters the ring with a mark of 24-2 with 16 Ko’s and has boxed 164 rounds since making his pro debut in 2014. His two losses were both against Joshua Franco for the WBA Super Flyweight Title. Franco won their first meeting by close unanimous decision in 2020 and the first rematch saw Franco retain the title after the fight was ruled a no-decision in the second round when the champion claimed he couldn’t continue after suffering a phantom head butt.
Another rematch was held in August, 2021 with Franco once again winning via a close unanimous decision. Moloney has pretty good power with a current knockout ratio of 59.3 per cent and had won four straight fights by stoppage until running into Franco the first time. Since losing the rematch he’s beaten Froilan Saludar by 10-round unanimous decision, stopped Gilberto Mendoza in the eighth round and stopped Espinoza in his last outing.
Moloney stands 5-feet-5-inches tall with a wingspan of 65 inches and will give up an inch in height and three inches in reach to Jiminez. Since turning pro after a fine amateur career, Moloney has also captured several Australian, Oceania and Commonwealth belts in the bantamweight and junior bantamweight divisions. His biggest wins have been against the likes of Miguel Gonzalez, Selemani Bangaiza, Luis Concepcion, Rene Dacquel, Aramis Solis and Raymond Tabugon with Franco being the only man to beat him.
Jiminez is a 31-year-old who holds a record of 31-9-6 with 16 Ko’s and he’s been stopped four times himself. He’s boxed 240 rounds since making his pro debut in 2010 and has two wins, two draws and a loss in his last five tilts. Jiminez stands 5-feet-6-inches tall with a 68-inch ans has below-average power with a current knockout ratio currently stands at 34.5 per cent.
Jiminez should be given credit for sticking with boxing as he lost first four pro fights and seven of his first eight and was stopped four times, by Oscauris Frias, Juan Carlos Payano, Carlos Reyes and Juan Pichzardo. He was thrown into the deep end right from the start of his career and was then beaten by Ruben Vicente in 2011 and Khalid Yafai by unanimous decision in 2019 in a shot at the WBA Super Flyweight Title.
This means Jiminez went on a 29-fight unbeaten streak from 2011 and 2019 with a few draws thrown in the mix. Along the way he’s captured the interim WBC FECARBOX, WBA Fedecentro, and WBA Fedelatin, and Dominican Republic Super Flyweight Titles. He also fought to a draw with Kohei Kono in 2014 in a shot at the WBA World Title. He is best performance was arguably a 10-round draw with former long-reigning world champion Donnie Nietes last December in a shot at the WBO International Super Flyweight Title.
Prediction…
Moloney showed he was a world class boxer with a lot of heart against Franco but luck wasn’t on his side. He’s not taking on an easy touch here as Jiminez has plenty of experience against some upper-class opponents such as Yafai and Nietes. Jiminez is stepping up in class again this week should have his moments but I’m expecting Moloney to pull it out in a close affair.
I’ll go Moloney’s power and skills here, especially at home.
Play Moloney -350 @ BetOnline.ag
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Andrew Moloney betting • Norbelto Jiminez betting