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.
He's never experienced fandom like his Japanese debut though, where the lighter-weight talents are celebrated and invested in like no other country in the boxing world.
"It was nearly two hours at the stadium, they had to usher me out cause there was too many wanting photos and signatures," Moloney told AAP.
