Home of Boxing? – TG4 indicate long-term plans

TG4 could be here to stay if Ray Moylette does the business on Friday December 7th.

It has been confirmed that the Irish-language station will broadcast the Mayo lightweight’s WBC International title fight versus Christian Uruzquieta next month at the Royal Theatre and it does not seem like a one-off.

A win for Moylette over the game Mexican should see him enter the WBC’s Top 15 and would see him start a chase for the green belt currently held by Mikey Garcia but expected to be vacant soon.

TG4 are keen to continue down this path with the popular Islandeady man – while a host of characters on the undercard next month could also benefit from the backing.

Head of Sport at TG4, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha, outlined how “it’s a honour to be able to show live coverage of ‘The Homecoming’ on December 7th. We really look forward to playing a part in showing a sport that has provided so many great nights for the Irish public.”

“We hope to continue to work with Moylette and Spike O’Sullivan as they work towards world title shots.”

Moylette himself is aware of the power of television having observed the hallowed ‘Bernard Dunne Days’ on RTÉ.

Indeed, ‘Sugar Ray’ actually featured on one of these bills, beating Balbriggan’s Robert Gorman in an amateur bout on the undercard of Dunne’s epic win over Ricardo Cordoba.

The Mayo man said that “it’s an honour to have TG4 on board. This is a massive event for my county, but now hopefully a massive event for this country. I said I want to bring big time boxing back to Ireland, and this is a good start.”

Moylette is managed by Assassin who were involved in the Ireland’s Last Man Standing bill back in March.

There is a degree of continuation here with tournament winner Roy Sheahan featuring on both cards alongside Victor Rabei, Dylan Moran, and Craig O’Brien. In addition, both Moylette and O’Sullivan were involved in the broadcast that snowy night back in May.

Last Man Standing came six-and-a-half years on from Henry Coyle’s win over Elio Conte – the last terrestrial TV boxing event in Ireland – and their comparatively rapid return is encouraging

Conor Slater from Assassin Boxing described how “it’s brilliant to be working again with Rónán and TG4. They are a wonderful entity to be involved with. They share our vision for where Irish boxing should be, and they have really taken the plunge and have backed Irish boxing, they should be commended.”

“This is a huge opportunity for everyone involved and hopefully one that will become a regular fixture in the calendar year. The country has so many sporting super stars, Robbie Keane, Brian O Driscoll, Katie Taylor, and now we have a platform for Moylette to become an Irish sporting great.”