Two fight dates for Farrell in September

Niall Farrell with Scott Murray. The prospect is back at The Excelsior

IN a post-fight chat with Liam Richards following his appearance on Friday’s Wolverhampton show, the respected journeymen described Niall Farrell as one to watch.

Liam spoke from experience. He was outpointed by the former stand-out amateur at Solihull’s Planet Ice in June.

When someone like Richards – a fighter with over 100 contests to his name, a fighter who has faced the best at domestic level – praises one of the country’s Young Guns, you sit up and take notice.

And yes, we may, in Birmingham’s Farrell, with two pro wins under his belt, be witnessing the rise of a special talent. Those who are yet to see the 25-year-old in action should get a local seat before he steps up to major, TV shows: the lightweight throws shots with blinding speed and in blistering combinations.

As a Team GB boxer, Niall faced the best as an amateur. He’s on a march to face the best as a pro.

Farrell, a fighter who is mapping the traditional route to the top – area title, British title, then beyond, is looking forward to a busy September.

He’s on Tommy Owens’ major September 9 show – a huge bill dedicated to the lightweight division featuring the Top Boxer tournament and cracking Midlands title fight between Scott Melvin and Mykey Lee-Broughton.

Then, on Thursday, September 28, Niall returns to the place where his pro journey began – Scott Murray’s plush Excelsior Sporting Club, Cannock.

Farrell and his family are big fans of the black tie venue. They enjoy the glitz and glamour that goes with fight nights at the Premier Suite.

The Excelsior assignment is significant. It should be Niall’s first six rounder. He and his trainer, dad Paddy, aim to take six bouts by the close of 2023.

Farrell is certainly enjoying life in the pro ranks.

He said: “I’m loving the game. I have such a great team with me – dad and Jon Pegg who’s there to guide me. I feel I’m getting better and better.

Bill for Farrell’s September appearance at the Excelsior, Cannock

“I’ve been getting some good (sparring) rounds in with Eithan James, who’s fighting for the European welterweight title. It’s all going good.

“For me, the thing is (with the pros) I haven’t got to rush everything. I want to fight for world titles eventually and that’s 12 rounds. With the amateurs, you had to win the first round and I can be a slow starter.

“Now I can throw shots properly and I feel stronger than I ever have done. My shots feel like proper man shots.

“It’s rough stuff (in the pros), that’s what I like. I like the rough and tumble of it. That’s what you want – two fighting men in a tough fight.

“If it was down to me I’d be fighting every month, twice a month.”

That’s a refreshing, old school approach.

Farrell’s journey is on the way and Liam Richards – one of the most experienced pros in the business – believes it’s going to be a long, glorious ride.