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.
"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