Mayo's favourite pugilistic son is heading to the paid ranks.
Ray Moylette, the first Irishman to ever win a World amateur title when he secured gold at the World Youth Championships in 2008, is joining international teammates Mick Conlan, Paddy Barnes and Steven Donnelly in the pro game.
It had recently been suggested that the 2011 European champion might walk away from boxing altogether and focus on his career as a fitness instructor, but the 26-year-old today took to his personal Facebook account to announce his decision to ditch the vest.
Moylette said:
"If your brave enough to say goodbye, Life will reward you with a new hello" Paulo Coehlo
I have taken a new path and I've decided to turn Pro.
I really am humbled and I'm very grateful for all the support over the last number of years through the good times, bad times, victories and losses.
Amateur boxing has been very good to me in the past and I want to leave on a positive note.
Thanks to all the coaches and boxers who helped me and guided me in the right path when I needed it most through the last 15 years.
Thanks to all my family and friends for your contribution and I hope to have your support as we take this next step together.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it" Abraham Lincoln
The 26-year-old is one of the most entertaining and outspoken figures in Irish boxing, and draws enormous crowds from his home county - something which will stand him good stead in the paid ranks should he manage to get fights in Ireland.
He has made no official announcement as to with whom he will sign on the dotted line, though did visit Matthew Macklin's MGM Marbella gym last week, outside which he posed in an MGM t-shirt.
Having already participated in two six-round APB bouts this year, his transition to the pro game will be somewhat more straightforward than a traditional amateur fighter. His style and talent combined with such a massive following make him an extremely intriguing prospect in a year which will also see at least three of our eight Olympians make the jump to the pro ranks, with announcements from Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan due in the coming weeks and Steven Donnelly reportedly off to America.
