Tenshin Nasukawa continued his remarkable rise through the boxing ranks with a notable victory over Jason Moloney at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on February 24, 2025. The former kickboxing champion, now transitioning firmly to the boxing world, showcased his skills and determination against the veteran Moloney, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 98-92.
Expectations were high for this clash, with both fighters eager to secure their places among the bantamweight elite. Nasukawa (6-0, 2 KOs) entered the bout with much hype following his illustrious kickboxing career, which included notable moments such as his exhibition fight against Floyd Mayweather. Jason Moloney (27-4, 19 KOs), on the other hand, was seeking redemption after suffering defeat to Yoshiki Takei last May, which cost him the WBO bantamweight title.
The fight was intensely contested, with Moloney coming out strong, utilizing his jab to find success early on. It seemed he had shaken off the previous loss well, but Nasukawa adjusted quickly, attacking the body and testing Moloney’s defenses. “It was definitely a hard fight as expected,” Nasukawa said through his translator. “We expected it to be this way. Tonight, I became a man in the ring.”
The ferocity of the battle heightened as both fighters dialed up their efforts. Nasukawa, who has quickly made his mark after only six professional fights, showcased his agility and tactical acumen, snuffing out Moloney’s attacks with consistent counter-punching and deft footwork. By the seventh round, it became evident he had taken control of the bout, making effective use of his superior speed and combinations to keep Moloney at bay.
Despite showing commendable grit, Moloney struggled to keep up with the relentless pace Nasukawa set. The Australian managed to land some impactful shots, particularly during the sixth round when he nearly knocked Nasukawa down. Observers noted, “Moloney started strong and he made good adjustments... but Nasukawa made the adjustments and showed a variety of skill,” said Mikaele Mayer during ESPN's coverage.
The fight was not without its tensions; Moloney's corner could be heard urging him to pressure Nasukawa more aggressively as time ran low. His trainer, Angelo Hyder, encouraged him, remarking on the need for more action if he were to turn the tide. At the start of the tenth round, Moloney came out firing, determined to make his final stand. Yet, Nasukawa maintained composure and countered effectively, stifling Moloney’s renewed enthusiasm.
With the fight coming to its climax, both fighters exchanged blows, but it was clear Nasukawa had seized the upper hand, leaving Moloney chasing shadows. After the final bell rang, the relief and joy were apparent on Nasukawa’s face, and he extended his hand to Moloney, acknowledging the hard-fought battle. Both fighters showed mutual respect, with Moloney promising to reflect on the finds from this competitive match.
The loss leaves Moloney with more questions than answers, especially following his recent shortcomings on Japanese soil. He has now lost two consecutive fights, both against rising Japanese talents. Reflecting on his performance, Moloney expressed, "I know I’m really excited about the position I’m in at the moment," signaling he is not yet ready to hang up his gloves.
Nasukawa's victory places him rapidly on the fast track toward title contention, with many expecting him to challenge for the WBO bantamweight title soon, possibly against his compatriot Yoshiki Takei, who entered the ring post-fight to commend Nasukawa. Maloney, on the other hand, faces the task of reestablishing himself after this setback, chasing another opportunity for championship glory.
The boxing community watches with bated breath as both fighters look to carve their futures. Nasukawa has emerged as one of the sport's most exciting prospects, displaying not just skill but also charisma and passion inside the ring, which connects well with fans. Meanwhile, Moloney's evolution continues as he seeks to reclaim his previous status as a champion. Both narratives are set for thrilling developments as the bantamweight division heats up.