Australian bruise brothers Jason and Andrew Moloney hunt historic twin world titles

Australian bruise brothers Jason and Andrew Moloney are hunting history this week as they aim to become the first Australian twins to claim world boxing titles.

Jason’s Californian world title fight on Sunday (AEST) is a “make or break” moment that will define his career. A win in front of 16,000 fans at Stockton Arena against Filipino Vincent Astrolabio will pave the way to glory. A loss, five years after the first of two other world title fight defeats, would effectively be the end of the road.

“This is it, it’s make or break,” Jason told AAP ahead of his crack at the vacant WBO bantamweight belt. “I know there’s a lot riding on it, but I’m experienced enough to stay focused and the pressure won’t get to me at all.”

A win for Jason will pile the pressure on twin Andrew’s world title fight in Las Vegas next week, on a card headlined by Devin Haney and Vasiliy Lomachenko. Andrew lost his title defence of the WBA Super Flyweight in 2020, suffering two perforated ear drums, a fractured nose, and cuts inside his mouth and eye in the COVID-era defeat.

Melbourne-born and raised, the Moloney brothers have mostly plied their trade in the United States but, after discussions with promoter Top Rank’s Hall of Fame boss Bob Arum, are planning a blockbuster double-header in Australia if this week goes to plan.

“These guys already do massive numbers in the US; they have big profiles here but there’d be nothing bigger,” their manager Tony Tolj said. “The first Aussie brothers to have titles at the same time ... they could fill a stadium.”

Both Moloney brothers boast a 25-2 professional record and know their profile on home soil could go stratospheric if they each bring home world title belts.

“Fighting overseas, you get a bit