Fear Me! Ray Moylette promises “takeover” of light welterweight division

Ray Moylette is ready to become the Conor McGregor of Connacht.

The hard-hitting straight-talking former amateur standout has turned pro, much to the excitement of the Irish boxing community.

The St Anne’s Westport graduate isn’t here to take part and, fittingly, has gone as far as to suggest he is going to take over at 140lbs.

The Mayo favourite claims all at light welter should already be afraid – and believes that those who aren’t already, will be by the time his first 12 months as a pro are completed.

“I’m real excited about stepping into the pro ranks,” he told Irish-Boxing.com.

“All the hype around Irish boxing at the minute is great. I plan on making a big name for myself and fast-tracking my career with plenty fights this year. Between my manager Kaz [Evans[ of Assassin promotions and my trainers Paschal [Collins] and Martin [Brennan]. I’m in good hands. I believe I will have a possible 8-10 fights this year. By then, all the super lightweights and 140 pound fighters will know my name, and if they aren’t already fearing my takeover and my presence, they should be!”

With a strong amateur background, the kind of ring approach that would often prompt National Stadium regulars to claim he was ‘made for the pros’ and APB experience the former European amateur champion should be able to be progress relatively fast.

He certainly wants to move along as quick as possible, but knows there will be an element of learning as he moves toward title contention.

Sting-Ray outlined how “the long term goal is to become champion of the world and create a great life for my partner Sharon and my family along the way, all while I’m doing something I love.”

“Short term I want to learn the the game and train to the best of my ability, that is the way to make the long term goal a reality. I’m 26 now and I’m no spring chicken, so I’m going to commit to this journey and give it all I have. I don’t plan to be boxing for the rest of my life so I want to make it to the top as quick and as efficiently as possible. Taking plenty of fights and learning the trade is my goal for year one,” he added.

All focus now switches to his pro debut in London, fittingly at the Connaught Rooms, on March 4th. However, many are already looking forward to his pro debut as the charismatic Mayo man has one of the biggest advantages a young fighter can have – a fan base.

Anyone who has seen the flamed haired action junkie fight in the Stadium will recall ‘Mayo Corner’ and the sea of red and green that occupied the entrance end of the famous venue anytime Moylette was in competition.

That ticket-selling prowess will certainly stand to the 26 year old – whose rivalries with Ross Hickey and Dean Walsh were two of the most exciting in recent amateur history – and he determined to give them a hero to support.

“The support I have from my home village Islandeady and my neighbouring towns of Castlebar and Westport, and really the county of Mayo, has been great. It has really kept me in check over the last number of years to know so many people are behind you wishing you well.”

“We are very passionate about sport here in the West and I plan on giving all these guys something to be proud of. Dublin has McGregor, Belfast has Frampton, Mayo and Connacht will have Ray Moylette.”

Eric Donovan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 2 of the Irish Boxing Show: