Farrell now needs to step up to title fights

Story of the fight…Osgood, gloves high, retreats to the ropes. Pic: Michael Ault

NIALL Farrell – a man with much bigger things awaiting – kept busy and kept sharp by dominating Jake Osgood last night.

On the Excelsior Sporting Club lavish St Patrick’s show – an event attended by former world champ Steve Collins, the Midlands prospect of the year had things all his own way.

In his first six rounder, Kingstanding’s former amateur star kept a high tempo, drilled Osgood with pin-point jabs and blazed away with both hands. Referee Peter McCormack’s landslide 60-54 decision was a formality: Osgood, about as aggressive as a coconut shy, offered little more than target practice.

Lightweight Farrell and dad Paddy, who trains the 26-year-old, should be applauded for keeping to a very busy scheduled. That’s Niall’s sixth bout in his first year as a pro – four of them coming at promoter Scott Murray’s Premier Suite, Cannock, venue.

And he fights there again on April 28 when Murray stages his first open pro show.

Farrell is a man in a hurry – and he wants to be a titleholder by the end of 2024.

He’s yet to stop an opponent, but opponents like Carlisle’s Osgood, whose priority is lasting the distance rather than taking chances, are very hard to stop.

Farrell, from a famous fighting family, pledged the KOs will come against more ambitious opponents in longer fights.

“I want fights that get people to say, ‘he could lose that’,” said Niall. “I want to push on and win titles. You’ll see the power against fighters who take chances.

“Fights like this are about staying active and trying things. During the rounds tonight, my dad was saying, ‘try this’. I did the work tonight against a heavier opponent.”

Paddy certainly kept up a running commentary during the bout’s duration. He’d shout “trigger” and Farrel would change angles, “touch” and the boxer would feel with the left hand before firing a fusillade of jabs. His jab is a very impressive weapon.

Niall (10st 5lbs, like his opponent) did everything asked of him.

Osgood, who has won only one of 43, spent most of the fight on the retreat with gloves high, often cupped around his face.

He speared continually by jabs and smiled in acknowledgment after being caught by a heavy right hook in the second.

By the third, Farrell had glided into a higher gear and opened up with both hands as his opponent sort sanctuary in neutral corner. At one point a cluster of four hooks slammed against Jake’s flanks.

A short right – Niall’s best shot of the night – sent Osgood to the ropes in the fourth and the Birmingham favourite uncorked a stream of straight punches from both hands. Still his stubborn opponent would not budge.

The fifth saw Osgood endure a textbook left hood and big rights. Farrell kept the punches flowing in the last to finish with a flourish.

“You know how it is,” Paddy said in the dressing room afterwards. “It’s tough (against opponents like Osgood) and he’s a welter. Matching Niall has been very difficult.

“I want someone who will come to take it to Niall. You’ll see the best of him then.

“He ticked all the boxes, he has a great engine. We know what he can do. What he did tonight he’s doing with top lads in sparring.”

“We’re ready to step up,” added Paddy.

On last night’s evidence, Niall Farrell is more than ready to step up.