Farrell cranks up the opposition at ice rink

Niall Farrell meets rugged Colombian at Planet Ice, Solihull

PRAISE where praise is due. Those guiding the fledgling paid career of former outstanding, world class amateur Niall Farrell have given him a potentially tough test.

In his third outing at Solihull’s Planet Ice this Saturday, September 9, the Birmingham lightweight will face Colombian Joshua “El Lobo” Ocampo.

The 29-year-old may have a losing record (8-14-4), but he has given some of Britain’s finest fighters a real argument. Those he’s taken the distance include Lonsdale Belt holder Brad Foster, unbeaten Jordan Flynn who recently drew with Kane Baker and prospect Charles Frankham who has won seven on the spin.

Only two men have prevented Ocampo hearing the final bell.

It’s a very decent assignment for 25-year-old Farrell – and it is the way it should be. Niall faced some of the world’s best amateurs, so needs to hit the professional circuit running.

And, understandably, the man is eager to test himself and step-up the ring education.

He has an awful lot of fans to entertain. Around 550 will descend on Planet Ice for a Tommy Owens show that also features the mouthwatering Scott Melvin v Mykey Lee Broughton Midlands title clash and the eight man lightweight Top Boxer tournament.

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

“I’ve been getting some good (sparring) rounds in. 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.”