Brummie Moylette targeting KO statement in Birmingham return

Travelling fans ensured a London dinner show got a bit more than it bargained for atmosphere-wise on his debut, family connections and some eye-catching performances have helped Ray Moylette build a name in Boston, and he has always had home support and no problems bringing a crowd to the National Stadium in Dublin.

In that regard, this Saturday’s Villa Park clash – pro fight number eight – could have been deemed as a chance for the Mayo favourite to fight without having any ticket-selling responsibilities.

A get in, get the win, and get out, number where Moylette [7(3)-0] can focus purely on in ring business and maybe even sample what it might be like to an away fighter.

However, it turns out that England’s second city is another place Moylette has strong connections too and in it dwells people he wants to impress tomorrow night.

“Birmingham has a special place in my heart. I have close family here who would have had plenty involvement in boxing through the years,” Moylette told Irish-Boxing.com ahead of his final six rounder, which will be the chief support on the Tommy Owens-promoted card.

“They’re first cousins of my mother and we visit each other regularly, a couple of times a year. Along with the family connection I’ve had training camps over here over the last number of years. I would have been brought around to gyms sparring in my amateur days and everyone got to know me real quick.”

“I’ve had plenty of tough days here too sparring Sam Eggington and Frankie Gavin on numerous occasions. I’m familiar with Birmingham and it has been so good to me in the past. I hope for a bright future here.”

“I have great support from all angles and I just can’t thank everyone enough for all they do for me. I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for my loyal fans.”

Tomorrow Moylette will face Croatian Luka Leskovic [5(1)-19(2)], an ultra-durable foe who has sprung a couple of surprises in recent years.

The Islandeady lightweight is looking to bank rounds – but wants to have it all and claim an inside-the-distance win too.

Moylette outlined how Leskovic’s “record again isn’t great but he’s a tough fighter who keeps coming forward. He has only been stopped twice in all his fights and I’d hope to change that.”

“Ideal scenario would be to stop him later on as it’s my last six round fight. I would like to get the rounds in the bank along with showing my power. I hope to move to eight rounders as I continue my pursuit of titles early next year.”

It’s an eighth fight in eight months for the 2011 European gold medalist, and Moylette is delighted with his pro progression thus far.

The 27 year old described how “when I first signed pro I knew had to be busy. I never had a problem with staying active.”

“In fact it suites me a lot better to stay busy as I’m constantly training and always in a good place. There was always a plan to have 10 fights in my first year and it’s looking very possible to happen.”

“I’m holding up my end of the agreement and my management and trainer is doing the same. I deliberated awhile before I made my decision to sign and what got the deal over the line was the amount of fights I was going to have in year one.”

“In terms of benefits it’s real hard to describe. I’m boxing my whole life and it’s something I’m very passionate about. I’m not making big money yet and that’s to be expected in your first year in the game. I’m building my skillset along with my profile and I know there will be some massive fights to come and they could come as soon as 2018 lands.”

“What boxing gives to me is a lot more than I could buy. I cherish every moment in the ring as I know it won’t last forever.”