Ray Moylette defeated in title bout

THE homecoming didn't quite work out the way Islandeady boxer Ray Moylette had hoped, writes Stuart Tynan.

He was defeated tonight by Christian Uruzquieta on a 2-1 split decision, ending his dream of winning the WBC International Sliver Lightweight title on home turf.

A huge crowd gave him a rapturous reception as he entered the ring at the TF Royal Theatre in Castlebar earlier this evening.

He rose to the occasion early on but found his Mexican opponent in no mood to back down and allow the hometown hero dictate matters.

In fact Uruzquieta had Moylette on the canvas twice in the fifth, with the Mayo boxer looking like he was in real trouble.

The manner of Moylette's recovery was magical as he dominated the next round, but the battle evened out again up to and including the 10th and final round.

The knockdowns must have proved decisive in the eyes of two of the judges, one of whom scored the fight 96-92 in Uruzquieta's favour. The other two scored each fighter one point ahead at the end of the bout, meaning defeat for Moylette on a split decision - but it was one hell of a battling display from the hometown boy.