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Reborn Ray Moylette believes beating Uruzquieta would have been a “disaster”


“A blessing in disguise” is the cliché that is often said following a defeat, but Ray Moylette [11(4)-1(0)] goes one further.

The Mayo lightweight claims his dramatic loss to Christian Uruquieta was necessary, indeed a win would have been “a disaster.”

Moylette took on the Mexican brawler in Castlebar last December and, after tasting the canvas twice and showing enormous grit, was edged out on a split decision.

The result meant he missed out on a chance to wrap the WBC International Silver title around his waist – a belt Uruzquieta successfully defended from the away corner at the weekend – but Moylette is now happy he took the L.

The Islandeady boxer returns to the ring next month, taking on Monaghan’s Larry Fryers [10(3)-1(0)] for the New England light welterweight title in Boston on July 12th and plans to use his Uruzquieta experience to his advantage.

Moylette explained to Irish-Boxing.com how “the experience I gained from fighting Uruzquieta will be invaluable moving forward. I have taken so much from that fight that winning would have nearly been a disaster. ”

“I don’t say that lightly and I know it’s controversial but I’ve had to break down that fight and debrief everything about the night.”

The autopsy has been extensive and Moylette outlines how he put “all my good points on one page and all the negatives on another. Things I should have done and things I did well.”

“When you sit down and inspect your own performance it’s a reality check. I’ve never done that in any of my 11 victories prior to that fight, why would I? I won and moved on to bigger things. However I have addressed many issues from the 10 rounds with “The Mexican” as people I meet on the daily always revert back to that historic night.”

“If my hand was raised and I got the decision I would have moved on without fixing and without addressing the pink elephant in the room. The months in the gym with Packie and no one opponent to focus on gave us much needed time to work on the only person that mattered in any fight – Me.”

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It will be seven months since his clash with Uruzquieta when Moylette steps into the ring at the Encore Casino and in a proper competitive fight.

A good amateur that has received a good pro seasoning since relocating to America, Fryers will be the bigger man too.

In a sense, it’s odd matchmaking for the returning Moylette but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

The World Youth and European Elite champion noted how “there was no question I needed to go straight back into a a competitive fight after my title deffeat in December. I am big time boxing now after the huge success and there will be a lot of eyes watching every move I make.”

“I’ve been out of the ring for over six months and, at times, it was frustrating but considering the busy two years I’ve had, the extra time in the gym working closely with Packie Collins on specific parts of my style has giving me the upper hand moving into my third year as a pro.”

“On paper this is a competitive fight but, in reality, I should be beating this guy if I have any ambitions in this game.”

“No disrespect intended to Larry, he has done great work in New York and I heard some good stories about the guy, he seems like a nice fella, and I thank him for taking the fight. I know he will play his part well and we will build the fight up for the big stage in Boston and we will give the fans plenty to cheer about.”

Always one to invite pressure, Moylette admits that his career has entered ‘one more loss and you’re done’ territory.

It might be extreme from the 29-year-old but the approach is something he needs.

Moylette described how “looking at it now, the lay-off has been a blessing in disguise. I have never trained so consistently with no fight date, I think it’s my age and maturity coming into the mix but I have no more safety net and I can’t lose again. The loss in Castlebar has provided me with more motivation than I need to get back on top.”

“I don’t feel under any extra pressure since I lost my zero on my record. My ambition in this game was never to hang up the gloves and dwell over to zero. I’m not perfect and I’m not the most polished pro out there but people know what they get with me. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I’ll play full out in everything I do.”

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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