Jason Moloney set to make history in Tokyo Dome title defense against Yoshiki Takei

Australian boxer Jason Moloney is set to make a big splash in Japan next month as he prepares to defend his WBO bantamweight world title against local fighter Yoshiki Takei in the historic Tokyo Dome.

With a record of 27-2, Moloney is no stranger to the spotlight, but he admits that the level of support he has received in Japan has surprised him. The 33-year-old believes that he may even be the crowd favorite when he steps into the ring on May 6.

“It’s surprised me … I don’t know if Takei is very well liked in Japan, but I’m getting a fair bit of support,” Moloney told AAP. “It seems like quite a few Japanese want me to win.”

Moloney’s popularity in Japan can be attributed to his previous visits to the country for training camps and his impressive professional career. Despite facing setbacks, including a loss to Japan’s Naoya Inoue four years ago, Moloney has shown resilience and determination, qualities that have endeared him to fans.

The upcoming fight in the Tokyo Dome is expected to draw a full house of 55,000 spectators, making it the first boxing event at the venue since Mike Tyson’s defeat to Buster Douglas in 1990. With the potential for a career-defining victory, Moloney is eager to showcase his skills and gain even more fans in Japan.

As he prepares to face Takei, Moloney is focused on making a statement in the ring and solidifying his status as a top bantamweight boxer. With the support of Japanese fans behind him, Moloney is confident that he can come out on top and continue to make a name for himself in the world of boxing.