He can't quite explain it, but Andrew Moloney sure appreciates it, as the newly-crowned world boxing champion earmarked a return to Japan for his title defence.
The 35-year-old super flyweight needed security to intervene after his upset defeat of IBF champion Willibaldo Garcia in Aichi on Saturday, such was the frenzy for pictures and autographs with the humble Australian.
Moloney (29-4) has fought in regional Australian pubs and stadiums, three times at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and even Fiji during a 12-year professional career.