Connecticut not Croker for Moylette – but Sugar Ray is praying for All-Ireland Final win

The Mayo Senior Footballers compete in their fourth all-Ireland final in six years today.

In a repeat of the epic 2016 final, they once again take on defending champions Dublin.

This time however, one of Mayo’s most famous sons will not be in the crowd roaring them on.

Islandeady lightweight Ray Moylette [6(2)-0] is currently across the Atlantic on a short American tour, looking to build his pro boxing record.

Moylette won the first of two bouts on Friday night, surviving a second round knockdown to outpoint Donte Bryant over six in Mashantucket. ‘Sugar Ray’ fights again on September 30th in Boston.

As such, the Westerner will have to make do with an internet stream and prayers that the Mayo players can finally bring the Sam Maguire home for the first time since 1951.

Moylette told Irish-Boxing.com that “I’m pretty disappointed not to be in Croke Park for the final. I have been at all the finals in the last couple of years and we always end up going home empty handed. I hope and I pray that the players can do the business. Not for the fact of bringing Sam home to Mayo but for the players themselves.

“I know the sacrifices an athlete makes to make it to the top. It’s alright for me as I’ve had plenty of success over the years to keep me going but these guys are relentless in the fact they have been so close for so many years but never reaching the top. I would love to see those guys rewarded for their efforts.”

Moylette is more a man for memories rather than medals, and noted how “the cup and the fame doesn’t cut it for me as in time, the cup will have to be given back and the fame will fade away in time. I would love those guys to be able to say in 20 years time or even longer that they set out to do something and they succeeded in their pursuit. That’s more important than any cup.”

“My prediction for the match is a Mayo win but not without plenty drama and heartstopping moments.”