Ray Moylette plots Mayo homecoming card following Boston TV disappointment
It was lights, action, but no camera for Ray Moylette.
The Mayo lightweight fought Matt Doherty last month in the Boston suburb of Quincy but his live TV swing bout never got on to live TV.
Moylette was initially due to fight for a title on the non-televised portion of the Golden Boy card but were offered the swing bout slot – which appealed as it meant any early knockouts on a card that also saw a win for the returning Jason Quigley would have seen the pair fight live on ESPN and eir Sport 1.
Things didn’t play out that way for the Assassin prospect and, while the ambitious flamed haired fighter is adamant he has a future in television outside of his punditry for TG4, he admits it did take some gloss away from the win.
“Of course there was nothing I could do, but I was a small bit deflated going into the ring when I knew TV cameras were gone as I felt it was a great opportunity to get the exposure I deserve,” Moylette [9(3)-0] told Irish-Boxing.com.
“eir Sport contacted me directly the following day explaining about the cut-off. As it was no fault of theirs, I completely understood. In fact, it was through no one’s fault that I didn’t get tv exposure.”
“When we were offered the TV swing bout I chatted with my trainer Packie Collins and co-manager Martin Brennan and we all agreed that the gamble was worth it. We knew flying out there last week there was a 50/50 chance we could make it. ESPN had a particular slot and when that ran out they stopped recording. Simple as that.”
“I’ve no doubt I will be headlining these tv shows down the line so I’m not bothered about that,” added Moylette before apologising to those who had stayed up to see him box on the box.
“However, I’m disappointed for the people who made the effort to stay up or get up in the early hours of the morning. There is a big support network there and not only in Ireland.”
“There was a big BBQ and a screen set up on Bondi Beach in Sydney where I have two brothers and lots of friends. It was a pity for everyone that they didn’t get to see me do my thing on the biggest stage.”
“Thanks to my wife Sharon who went live on Facebook as was getting all messages from back home. People got to see bits but not at the quality you would like. I apologised to everyone but, unfortunately, it was out of our control.”
The globe-trotting nature of Moylette and indeed his family it seems has inspired pockets interest around the world.
The Celtic Warrior Gym man has certainly been made welcome in and around Boston and as far back as his amateur days always had the support of Mayo.
While having to say sorry to so many people from different parts of the world for the lack of television coverage of his fight isn’t necessary considering the circumstances, Moylette does take solace in the fact it shows he has a sizable support at this early stage in his career.
“It shows the interest and following I have. It also shows a TV station would benefit from that if they broadcast what I do in the ring,” he mused.
“I had a lot of support from all over Boston and New York. My wife and family travelled over from Mayo as well and we met a lot more Mayo people over there who were around that neck of the woods and just wanted to come and support me.
“That’s pretty decent of them all to give up their time to come and see me. I’m honoured and privileged to have such a loyal support group.”
While he didn’t get TV, it’s hard to argue that Moylette hasn’t had the perfect debut year.
Nine fights since turning over in March of 2017 is hugely encouraging and puts him in a position to start looking at various title options.
The fighter himself isn’t next step certain as of yet but has some big ambitions.
Moyletee outlined how “I’ll sit down and talk with Packie and we’ll plan our next move. I’m ready to push on and training is going very well. Kaz [Evans] of Assassin will get me out whenever we are ready so no worries on that front.”
While he isn’t too sure as to what his immediate next step is Moylette does have one eye on a 2018 homecoming.
“There’s plenty of talk of getting a fight back to Mayo and it’s definitely something I’m looking forward too. The end of the year looks plausible but there is still a lot to do before that.”
“I wish I could fight there tomorrow but it’s not that simple. I’m focused now more than ever. It will happen sooner rather than later and it will be something special. The people of Mayo are so proud of sport and I will give them memories to cherish.”
Photo Credit: KO Fantasy Boxing
