Australian bantamweight prospect Jason Moloney will face his first former title challenger on February 24 when he meets Namibia’s Immanuel Naidjala at Town Hall in Melbourne, Australia.

Moloney (15-0, 10 knockouts), one half of the unbeaten 27-year-old twin duo alongside brother Andrew, is rated in the top 15 by the WBA and  IBF at 118 pounds, and is looking to build on his resume’ against Naidjala (23-4-1, 13 KOs), a 33-year-old veteran who challenged WBO bantamweight titleholder Tomoki Kameda unsuccessfully in 2013, losing a 12-round unanimous decision.

“I feel that I am definitely ready for this sort of test and I believe that fighting these top level opponents like Naidjala will really bring the best out of me,” says Moloney. “I am very focused at the moment and I know that these are the people I need to beat if I want to achieve my dream of becoming world champion.”

The aim of Moloney’s handlers is to close out 2018 with a challenge of WBA “regular” titleholder Jamie McDonnell (29-2-1, 13 KOs) of England.

“We will use this fight as a gauge,” said manager Tony Tolj. “And the dedication that Jason is putting in, we are sure he will leave no stone unturned in preparation for his biggest fight to date.”

(READ: Jason and Andrew Moloney: Seeking success simultaneously)

Andrew Moloney (15-0, 10 KOs) is also facing a step-up in competition when he meets OPBF junior bantamweight champ Rene Dacquel (20-6-1, 6 KOs) of Manabo, Abra, Philippines.

“I’m expecting this to be the toughest fight of my career. Dacquel has beaten some very good fighters, winning and defending his OPBF title three times in Japan. I’m sure he is not going to want to let go of his title easily” says Moloney.

The card will also feature prospects Ibrahim and Qamil Balla against opponents to be named.

Both Moloney brothers are promoted by Hosking Promotions and trained by Angelo Hyder out of the Kingscliff Boxing Stables gym.