Amateur judging made decision to turn pro “pretty easy” for Ray Moylette

With a strong amateur background, the kind of ring approach that would often prompt National Stadium regulars to claim he was ‘made for the pros,’ as well as AIBA Pro Boxing experience, it looks near certain that new pro Ray Moylette will adjust well to the paid game.

Indeed the 2011 European medalist wants to move along as quick as possible, but Moylette knows there will be an element of learning as he moves toward title contention. That said, he is happy to be leaving the amateur game behind, and admits that the judging of bouts was a factor that pushed him into the pros.

Moylette has linked up with Assassin Boxing for a pro career and will be jointly trained by club coach Martin Brennan and Paschal Collins of the Celtic Warriors Gym in Dublin.

The Mayo star plans to fight as often as possible at the start of his pro career to rapidly gain experience before chasing his dream of world domination.

Moylette explained to Irish-Boxing.com that “the long term goal is to become champion of the world and create a great life for my partner Sharon and my family along the way, while I’m doing something I love.”

“Short term I want to learn the the game and train to the best of my ability, that is the way to make the long term goal a reality. I’m 26 now and I’m no spring chicken, so I’m going to commit to this journey and give it all I have.”

“I don’t plan to be boxing for the rest of my life so I want to make it to the top as quick and as efficiently as possible. Taking plenty of fights and learning the trade is my goal for year one,” he added before claiming he might be a pro novice in name, but boast a serious amount of fight experience.

“Fighting at such a high level as an amateur will stand to me massively as I progress my career. I have often fought five fights in a week with top amateurs so that’s why I can commit to such a busy schedule over the next couple of months. I’ve had over 300 amateur fights and I have been training in St Anne’s Boxing Club in Westport since I was 6 years old which is over 20 years now. That’s a lot of mileage on the clock and I’m only warming up.”

Moylette never realised his Olympic dream and there were those who suggested he may keep the vest on in a bid to become an Irish Olympian in 2020. However, the Islandeady man says the decision to turn over was easy, and admitted that he wanted to keep punching but not under the AIBA’s watch.

“The decision and the opportunity to turn pro were always available to me after a pretty successful amateur career. Not only have I the style to win fights and gain fight fans alike I also come from a great supporting community and I have a great fanbase when I fight. But what really gave me the push was when I missed out on my second Olympics. I was one fight away from qualifying from London and one fight away from qualifying for Rio.”

“Obviously that was pretty disappointing. Then seeing the carry on of some of the judging through that competition made it pretty easy make my decision. I wanted to continue boxing and I knew I didn’t want to be part of that organisation anymore. I felt I had a lot more to offer once I got my opportunity.”

It has been somewhat of a mixed bag for Moylette in the amateurs. He was a stand out vest-wearer, but that Olympic disappointment does leave somewhat of a bitter taste in his mouth.

However, ‘Sting Ray’ is now focused on new goals and determined to make them a reality.

The 2008 World Youth champion outlined that “when I look back on my career I have mixed emotions. I have a pretty decorated career but I missed out on a lot. I have stood in the ring and boxed some of the best. Not only have I boxed them but I have also beat them along the way.”

“Olympic Champions and medalists along with world and continental champions. My highest world ranking was #5 and I had beaten two from the for above me. I have had plenty bad days as well and only secured one National Senior Elite title after losing four finals with some controversial decisions along the way. I’m a little frustrated that I never made the Olympic team but I have my sight set on a new goal now and that is to become world champion once again.”

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Joe O’Neill and Gavan Casey are joined by Eric Donovan for Episode 2 of The Irish Boxing Show