The 30-year-old Victorian will meet Filipino Froilan Saludar for the vacant WBO Oriental super-flyweight title in Sydney.

It will be Moloney's first appearance in Australia since he became world champion in November 2019, defeating Elton Dharry at Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena to claim the WBA super-flyweight title.

Since then he's been teased, tortured and denied in a controversial trilogy of fights against Joshua Franco in the United States.

First he lost a close points decision, before the rematch was a no-result when Moloney cut Franco's eye with a legitimate punch, only for officials to rule it came from a headbutt.

Franco took the spoils in the third and final fight, the American since relinquishing his belt and Moloney now chasing Japan's four-weight world champion Kazuto Ioka for his WBO strap.

"It's really important to put on a dominating performance, impress everyone and make it possible to fight for a world title as soon as possible," Moloney said.

"I want to get into that top five and fight Kazuto Ioka for the world title as early as possible in 2022."

The rescheduling of the fight meant Moloney missed a planned family holiday, instead the boxer spending three weeks solo at home in the build up.

But, after watching compatriot George Kambosos upset Tiofimo Lopez to claim unified world lightweight champion status, Moloney has the motivation to make it worthwhile.

"Australian boxing is at a real peak; it's absolutely moving and I'm looking forward to putting on an impressive performance and reminding Australia what I'm all about," he said.

Australian Associated Press