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After a second meeting thoroughly mired in controversy, WBA “world” super flyweight champion Joshua Franco and rival Andrew Moloney have received orders to face off once again. The two sides have 30 days to come to terms, after which the sanctioning body will order a purse bid.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered an immediate rematch between Super Flyweight Champion Joshua Franco and challenger Andrew Moloney. They will have 30 days to negotiate the terms or the fight will be called to purse bids pic.twitter.com/7nsIzpQwaT
— WBA Boxing (@WBABoxing) December 10, 2020
Franco (17-1-2, 8 KO) authored one of the year’s more surprising upsets when he overpowered Moloney (21-1, 14 KO) in June, claiming his title in the process. Moloney quickly exercised his rematch clause to set up a November do-over and got off to a red-hot start, apparently forcing Franco’s eye to swell shut with jabs, but referee Russell Mora declared that the damage was caused by an accidental headbutt, resulting in a no-decision.
We’ve been through the replay saga enough by this point, so I don’t think I need to elaborate.
In any event, this is a rematch that needs to happen. Just keep Mora as far away from proceedings as possible.