Tenka Tenjin has solidified his position as one of boxing's rising stars after defeating former WBO World Bantamweight Champion Jason Moloney at the Prime Video Boxing event held at the Ariake Arena on February 24, 2025. Expertly maneuvering through ten intense rounds, Tenjin showcased his skill and tenacity to capture the victory by unanimous decision. The scorecards read 97-93 twice and 98-92, illustrating Tenjin's dominance throughout the bout.
At just 26 years old, Tenjin already holds the title of WBO Asia-Pacific Bantamweight Champion, having improved his professional record to six wins with two knockouts. Moloney, 34, sought to reignite his career after losing his championship against Naoya Inuoe back in 2020. But Tenjin was not to be underestimated. The fight, staged at the 119-pound contractual weight limit, was hailed as instrumental for Tenjin, particularly with his aspirations to challenge for the WBO World Title later this year.
From the opening bell, it was evident Tenjin understood the challenges posed by Moloney. Tenjin, known for his speed, faced some early struggles as Moloney was aggressive with his powerful right counters. "I took some hard punches, especially from the 1st round and again around the 6th, but I felt stronger overall," said Tenjin, reflecting on his experience during the match.
Throughout the fight, Tenjin employed his quick footwork, which allowed him to outmaneuver and keep Moloney at bay, regaining control as the rounds progressed. "Jason is exceptionally tough. I had to adapt and push through," he remarked, acknowledging the strength of his opponent.
The turning point for Tenjin came as he found his rhythm, expertly using calculated jabs combined with powerful body shots to keep Moloney guessing. "I always knew he was tough, this was great experience for me," Tenjin noted, emphasizing the learning experience he gained from facing such a seasoned boxer.
Despite moments where it seemed Moloney might gain the upper hand, such as the clear exchanges midway through the fight, Tenjin's resilience shone through. Acclaimed for his agility, he maneuvered out of tight spots and retaliated with finesse, which delighted the packed audience at the arena. The audacity exhibited by both fighters kept the fans captivated as punches flew across the canvas.
After the battle concluded, Tenjin looked to the future. He clearly expressed his desire to not only defend his Asia-Pacific title but also to pursue the coveted WBO World Bantamweight Title. "I’ll definitely aim for the world title next, I need to prepare myself for tougher opponents," he stated passionately, highlighting his ambitions moving forward.
The rivalry between Tenjin and Moloney added another layer to the narrative, as both boxers exhibited mutual respect following their intense match. Moloney, though acknowledging his defeat, remained steadfast about their competitive encounters, saying, "Let’s meet again, Tenjin. I have unfinished business as well." This sentiment sends ripples through the boxing community, as fans speculate about a potential rematch and eager encounters down the line.
Tenjin concluded the night by affirming the importance of such hard-fought contests for his development as a boxer. He spoke candidly about the nature of his current standing and expectations. "This fight has shown me the path. I feel fortunate to face tough opponents like Moloney at this stage, and I aspire to keep challenging myself. My goal is not merely to fight, but to continue improving," he expressed, rallying the audience with his determination.
Indeed, fans are left at the edge of their seats as Tenjin's boxing career continues to rise, eagerly anticipating his next moves. What lies ahead for this promising athlete remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Tenjin is on the path toward greatness, igniting excitement for future fights and rivalries to come.