Melbourne, Australia is hosting a big-time boxing card this Saturday (August 19, 2017) that is getting attention at Several Bookmakers for its international theme of Australia versus the Philippines.
The co-feature main events see a pair of WBA regional titles (Oceania) on the line in the super flyweight and super bantamweight divisions, as Australia’s Moloney brothers continue their respective professional careers. The twin brothers both joined the pro ranks in the second half of 2014 after long amateur careers, and each of them has remained undefeated, going 13-0 and winning the WBA belts in their respective weight classes.
Super flyweight Andrew Moloney is a big favorite to retain his belt when he faces Raymond Tabugon (20-7-1) while super bantamweight champion Jason Moloney is defending his belt against Lolito Sonsona (21-1-4). Both opponents represent the Philippines, where most of their resumes have been inked. Tabugon has overseas experience on his resume, fighting in distant places such as Mexico and South Africa, but he has never fought in Australia. Sonsona is coming into this matchup on a five-fight winning streak, but he is making his first fight outside of his home country.
Once-beaten Aussie Ibrahim Balla (11-1) also takes on Philipino veteran Silvester Lopez (28-13-2) in a third 10-round bout on the card. Balla too boasts a nice amateur career, and he is an interesting story as he learned to box from his family, which is of Albanian heritage.
Continuing his career as well is 19-year-old Brock Jarvis, who is 1-0 thus far. Jarvis is being trained by well-known Aussie boxer/trainer Jeff Fenech, and he is facing Ghalnatry Sonny (5-3), who is making the trip from Indonesia.
Australian boxing has had a good year since the rise of Jeff Horn, as the new WBO champion stepped out onto the world stage in a big way by upsetting Manny Pacquiao. The Moloney brothers, Brock Jarvis and Ibrahim Balla hope to be in the next wave of boxers from down under to break onto the world scene.
Function Centre – Melbourne, Australia
Super Flyweight – 10 rounds
Raymond Tabugon +1250
Andrew Moloney -2000
Super Bantamweight – 10 rounds
Lolito Sonsona +750
Jason Moloney -1165
Featherweight – 10 rounds
Silvester Lopez +450
Ibrahim Balla -600
Super Flyweight – 6 rounds
Ghalatry Sonny +800
Brock Jarvis -1250
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