Jake Michaels, ESPN Senior WriterMay 12, 2024, 12:00 AM ETCloseJake Michaels is a Melbourne-based sports writer who covers everything from Aussie Rules to Formula One, basketball to boxing. He has been with ESPN for 10 years and works as a Senior Writer, covering sport in Australia and around the world.PERTH, Australia — Australian boxer Andrew Moloney says he is retiring from the sport following Sunday’s controversial split-decision loss to Pedro Guevara, a fight he is adamant should have gone his way.Moloney, 33, was in control of the early rounds of the pair’s interim junior bantamweight title bout at RAC Arena — as part of the Vasiliy Lomachenko-George Kambosos undercard — but the Mexican began to turn the tide from the fifth round onward, showcasing his stamina and laying a flurry of attacks on Moloney’s body.Two judges scored the fight 115-113 in favor of Guevara, while the other believed Moloney had done enough, scoring it 116-113 for the Australian.”I’m done with this sport,” Moloney said in the ring immediately following the fight.Andrew Moloney, left, announced his retirement following a split-decision loss to Pedro Guevara. Mikey Williams/Top Rank”That’s the last you’ll see of me. I want to thank my sponsors. I’m retired, I’m out. I love you all, but sorry, f— that.”I felt in total control. I did what I had to do in there tonight to get the win. I don’t want to make excuses, but I went into this fight with a torn biceps, so I couldn’t throw the left hook unless I needed to. I didn’t feel like I needed to throw it because I was in total control.”Speaking to ESPN postfight, Moloney doubled down on his desire to walk away from the sport.”Honestly, I should say I’m shocked, but I’ve been here before in this sport. It’s corrupt as anything,” Moloney told ESPN.”I thought I won 10 rounds to two. I should have been walking home with that belt. I’ve given my life to this sport for 20 years. That’s twice they’ve ripped me off for a world title.”I’m done with this sport because it’s corrupt and I can’t do anything more than I already am, so I’m out.”Moments before Moloney announced his retirement, Guevara confirmed he had “no problem” giving the Australian a rematch.Moloney is a former WBA junior bantamweight titlist. He has also represented Australia at two Commonwealth Games, winning gold in 2014



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