BOXER Andrew Maloney was rushed to hospital with vomiting and two burst eardrums after his brutal defeat to Joshua Franco.
The Australian star lost his WBA super-flyweight belt to 24-year-old American Franco in a unanimous points decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.
Maloney, right, suffered two burst eardrums and vomiting after losing his belt to FrancoCredit: Handout – Getty
Nicknamed ‘The Monster’, Maloney, 29, reportedly perforated both eardrums after taking a battering to the head in the final stages of the bout.
The eardrums usually recover by themselves but surgery can be needed in some cases.
Maloney, who lost his perfect 21-0 record, was sent crashing to the canvas in the 11th and could not stage a late comeback.
Blood poured out of his face after a big hit in the ninth opened up a cut above his left eye.
He was taken to a nearby hospital after he started being sick shortly after the fight ended.
A defiant Maloney said: “I’ll be back. One fight won’t define me.”
Concerned fans also expressed their relief that all was OK after the fighter was later released from hospital.
One said: “What a warrior, wish @AndrewMoloney a speedy recovery.”
Another commented: “Tough as nails @AndrewMoloney. Great fight to watch and so glad he’s OK and healthy.”
A fellow user wrote: “Warrior! Rest up @AndrewMaloney.”
Golden Boy fighter Franco, whose promoter Oscar De La Hoya is considering his own comeback, paid tribute to his coach after becoming world champion for the first time.
Franco is the new WBA super-flyweight champ despite coming in as underdogCredit: Handout – Getty
Maloney has since been released from hospital after being checked over by doctorsCredit: Handout – Getty
He said: “After the fourth round I gained the momentum and figured him out. I always knew this was possible.
“I wasn’t nervous when the decision was being read.
“I knew I’d done enough to win this fight. My coach, Robert Garcia, had me ready. I’m going home with the belt.”
Oscar De La Hoya has still got it as he works out with a punching bag
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
