Another whitewash points win for Farrell
Vincent on the retreat against rampant Niall. Picture: Michael Ault
FORMER star amateur Niall Farrell slammed shots to Stefan Vincent’s head and body as if hammering a bag – no respite, no easing off the pedal, a relentless tsunami of violence from first bell to last.
Yet the Dorset lightweight survived the four round storm of leather unleashed at Cannock’s Excelsior Club last night to suffer whitewash points defeat, 40-36 on referee Peter McCormack’s card.
From ringside, it appeared Kingstanding’s Farrell burned to register the first stoppage victory in an unbeaten career now spanning four fights.
And that relentless desire, in my opinion, may have dented his chances. Niall poured it on, wave after wave of spiteful combinations, yet, tellingly, when dad and trainer Paddy – respected throughout the game – shouted, “pick your shots” in the third, Farrell produced his best work. The punches carried more power and Vincent clearly felt them.
There was less volume, but more venom.
That’s the dilemma a four round fight poses. Pick your shots, wait for the perfect opening and a contest can slip away: as it did with Walsall prospect Lewis Morris against Tatenda Mangombe last June.
But at times against Vincent, I felt Niall – and his team may laugh at the suggestion – was trying too hard. As a result, some of the work was forced.
And it should be remembered Farrell, at 25, is very much a work in progress, despite his unpaid pedigree.
He is a rare talent and we’ll know a lot more about what he brings to the table over six and eight rounds and the championship distance.
He is, I have no doubt, a champion in waiting. And he possesses admirable, old school boxing values. He wants to be active: this was his fourth fight in six months, his second in a matter of weeks. He wants to take the traditional route to the top, from Midlands title, to English, to British and beyond.
Niall is interviewed after the fight by Steve Bunce and Richie Woodhall. Pic: Julie Lockley
“I want to be an active fighter,” Niall said after dominating Vincent, who has now won only one of seven.
“I want six fights this year. As an amateur, I was fighting four times a month. I’d box every round if I could.
“I’m learning. From every fight I’m taking the good and the bad. I’m looking to be a good pro boxer. I’m learning on the job, learning in the ring and learning in the gym.
“Six or seven fights, then we’ll push on.”
He admitted: “Maybe I should’ve listened to my corner more.”
Vincent (10st) will have only painful memories of his encounter with Niall. Hands low, he circled the ring and attempted to landing cuffing blows, but was being torn apart by body shots.
Right uppercuts jarred his head back and he was frozen and hurt by a big right hand in the third. Two booming rights again rocked the visitor in the last, a session that saw Niall (9st 13lbs 6oz) find yet another gear. A superb left hook to head and body closed a thoroughly dominant display.
Farrell’s journey will be an exciting one – and the stoppages will come. It’s just very difficult to get them over four rounds against opponents who are loathed to take risks.