FOCAL LOCAL
Former amateur standout gets a home date
IN what will be the 12th fight of Ray Moylette’s professional career, the 11-0 (4) Irish lightweight is set to compete in his home country for just the second time as a pro when he takes on Mexico’s Christian Uruzquieta, 17-4-1 (6) 1NC, at the Royal Theatre in Castlebar this Friday (December 7). TG4 televise this Assassin Promotions show, which marks Moylette’s fourth contest of the year and maiden 10-rounder.
Despite having had double-digit outings in the paid ranks, Moylette is still best known for what he achieved as an amateur. In 2008, the Islandeady native earned a gold medal at the World Youth Championships, overcoming the likes of Fred Evans and Daniyar Yeleussinov along the way. Both of these boxers went on to achieve significant success at Senior level in the unpaid code, before turning over.
Three years later, Moylette struck gold again, this time boxing as a Senior at the European Championships. In the final, he saw off Thomas Stalker, who would go on to captain Team GB’S boxing squad at the 2012 Olympics.
Coached by Paschal Collins, the well-supported Moylette possesses poise and craft, as well as a long and effective jab. Only four of his professional adversaries so far have had winning records, so fellow 28-year-old Uruzquieta represents a step up in class for the local favourite. The visitor has contested more than double the number of pro bouts than Moylette has, yet this will be his firstever appearance outside of North America. Uruzquieta is coming off a unanimous points loss to the unbeaten Mathieu Germain in June, and Moylette can inflict a second successive decision defeat on the Distrito Federal fighter.