Farrell: My fanbase will fill major venues

Niall Farrell…the countdown to his pro debut has begun

NIALL Farrell hopes the NIA will one day be filled with fight fans cheering  him on - and his boyhood pals, writes Matt Bozeat.

Farrell has joined the Yafai brothers and ex-Great Britain team mate Ben Whittaker in the pro ranks after an outstanding amateur career.

Highlights of his 126 bouts include European Youth bronze (2014), European senior silver (2017) and competing at the World Championship in 2017 and 2021.

That looks great preparation for the pro ranks, but according to Farrell, he’s starting all over again after signing with Jon Pegg.

The 25-year-old lightweight from Kingstanding makes his paid debut on a star-studded night in Cannock on Thursday, March 30.

That is the launch of Scott Murray’s Excelsior Sporting Club hosted by former WBA lightweight champion Ray Mancini.

Farrell said: “I went around the world with Ben Whittaker, Josh Buatsi, the McCormack twins (Pat and Luke) and the Yafai brothers.

“I’ve sparred all the brothers – and it’s never an easy spar.

“One day, I want us all to be on the same card together. I’ve always had a good fan base and I’m sure we could fill the NIA.

“I was 15 when I first boxed for England and I boxed at international level for 10 years.

“I probably boxed 30 to 40 Olympians and never felt out of my depth. Whoever they put in front of me, I stepped it up.

“But that’s all in the past now. I’m happy with what I achieved, but what matters is what happens next.

“You get top amateurs who don’t make it in the pros and you get average amateurs who go all the way in the pros.

“I’m in no rush.

“I’m looking to become a seasoned professional, have 30 or 40 fights and win every title all the way up to the world title, starting with the Midlands Area title. I don’t want to get to 15-0 and get stuck in the same place.

“I know I have to learn the pro game and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been boxing all my life and this is the next chapter.”

Farrell, who’s trained by father Paddy, accepts there are question marks around him as he enters the pros.

There have been concerns about his hand injuries and his amateur career ended with a shock one-round loss to Jude Gallagher at last year’s Commonwealth Games.

Farrell had noisy support at the NIA Arena – and they were silenced by the Irishman.

There are those who felt the stoppage premature, but Farrell wants to move on.

He said: “These things happen. I had made the weight for too long and I paid the price. I had to take the opportunity to box in the Commonwealth Games in my home city. I don’t regret it, but I’m a pro now and whatever happened in the amateurs doesn’t matter anymore.

“I know people doubt me and I’m ready to prove them wrong.”

Farrell believes he will be more formidable in the pros.

“As an amateur, you have to win the first round,” he said. “You don’t want to be chasing the fight and I was never the fastest of starters.

“I like to take my time and in the pros you can afford to sacrifice the first round getting to know your opponent and seeing how they react.

“In the amateurs, it was always very rushed, but in the pros I can step up the pace when I want to.

“There’s a lot more to my boxing that people haven’t seen yet.”