‘Heartbroken’ Moylette humbled by support after loss

Ray Moylette last night lost out on the chance to represent Ireland at the Rio Olympics when he dropped a unanimous decision to Armenia Hovannes Bachkov in Vargas, Venezuela.

The defeat in his opening bout at the WSB/APB qualifier in South American means that Ireland will have no representative in the light welterweight category, with Dean Walsh also missing out on qualification in the final AOB qualifier in Azerbaijan last month.

Following the loss, Moylette posted the following statement, thanking all those who have helped him and expressing his disappointment with the loss.

“It’s a tough pill to swallow.”

“I was man enough to take on the challenge so I am man enough to accept the outcome. I’m heartbroken but I know everything will be alright.”

“Thank you very much to my team here in Venezuela, Martin Brennan and Eddie Bolger, who really sacrificed everything for me. My preparation was spot on and I never felt stronger. The two lads made everything easy for me and I can’t thank them enough for all they have done.”

“This whole journey couldn’t be possible without the help of my own boxing club in Westport, St Anne’s BC, the High Performance Unit and the IABA. I want to thank everyone involved who made it possible for me to chase my dream.”

“I want to especially thank Zaur Antia and John Conlan who went out of their way to help me along with my own club coaches Martin Brennan, Peter Mullen, Tom Moran, Paul Mullen. and Michael Burke.”

“I’ve had massive support in my boxing career to date, and I’m truly grateful for all the well wishes and the words of encouragement. I had a whole nation in my corner and I’m humbled to say the least.”

“Thanks to all my friends and family who made it possible over the years for me to train and fight at the top level, I am the foot soldier in the ring but my team always have my back.”

“I have a great family, great friends, great girlfriend Sharon and a great future ahead.”

“It’s time now to set new dreams and targets as I move on with my life. I really enjoyed the whole experience of chasing the Olympic rings in Rio and I’m glad I could share it with you all.”

“Thanks to my mother Mary Moylette and my sister Shiela Moylette for all the prayers along the way. I hope they haven’t gone to waste and they can guide me on my next adventure.”

For 26 year old Moylette, his next move is unknown, with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics perhaps being too long to wait around for, and having not really shown any indication of wanting to turn professional.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)