Ray Moylette to turn pro?

Ray Moylette has sparked rumours that he is to turn pro by posting a photo of himself outside Macklin’s Gym Marbella.

Little bit of sightseeing in the south of Spain. @mattmacklin #MGM pic.twitter.com/zJYaN7ZoyM

— Ray Moylette (@raymoylette) September 1, 2016

The Mayo light welterweight has long been described as being perfect for the professional game, but the full-time fitness instructor has previously shown little explicit interest in turning over.

Islandeady’s Moylette missed out on Olympic qualification earlier this year, unluckily drawing competition winner Hovhannes Backrov of Armenia in the opening round of his Rio Qualifier in Venezuela.

Now 26, a wait until the Tokyo 2020 Games seemed a stretch, while outright retirement would perhaps be considered too early. With that in mind, Moylette may now be considering a move into the paid game.

‘Sting Ray’ brings a massive support from Mayo to each and every one of his fights, and it is only assumed that this would multiply in the pros, while his aggressive yet economical and accurate style would suit a change in format. Indeed the charismatic Connacht boxer has often been termed a form-fighter with the ability to raise his game for the big occasion – something which would come in handy in the pros. In addition, Moylette has already participated in two six-round AIBA Pro Boxing bouts this year and the talented Westerner would not need much adjusting were he to turn over.

Moylette had a hugely successful amateur career, becoming Ireland’s first ever male amateur World Champion in 2008 in Mexico when he won World Youth gold and he followed this up with European senior gold in Turkey three years later.

While nothing is confirmed, indeed Moylette could be merely visiting the gym during his holidays, MGM have already been linked to numerous Irish amateurs stars and have recently gone on a signing spree, snapping up Stephen Ormond, Ian Tims, and Con Sheehan.