Farrell, O’Reagan in move to pro ranks

Paddy and Farran Farrell, Michael O’Reagan and Jon Pegg

TWO more talented fighters from Birmingham’s mighty Second City gym have joined the pro ranks – while still in their teens.

Michael O’Reagan and Farran Farrell – son of Second City’s head, Paddy – have signed with Jon Pegg and will make their debuts early next year. They’ll be trained by Paddy.

Both have the back-up of good, well-paid careers away from the ring. Michael, aged 19, is on his way to being a fully qualified gas engineer.

Farran, 18, has a very bright future outside the ropes. The youngest of three boxing Farrell brothers, he’s gained a degreed apprenticeship as a quantity surveyor: his employer finances his university qualifications.

The importance of having a “Plan B” in case the boxing dream hits the rocks has recently been poignantly hammered home to Paddy.

Son Niall, a former Team GB star, unbeaten pro and Midlands prospect of the year, seemed a cert for big things. But only last week Niall was forced to retire through hand injury.

That must be a very, very bitter pill for Niall to swallow. His life revolved around the sport.

Paddy, one of the most respected trainers in the business, said: “With Niall, from the age of 10 or 11 it was just boxing, boxing. There was no thought of a Plan B.

“My mindset has changed. Boxers need that Plan B. If something goes wrong, you need something to get back to.”

Neither Michael or Farran have turned pro for financial reasons and that eases a lot of pressure.

“Farran has a great Plan B,” Paddy stressed. “His Plan A is to win titles, that’s his dream. Michael is earning good money, he hasn’t the pressure of having to fight to earn money. He has a Plan B.”

O’Reagan, who has been a fixture at Kingstanding’s Second City ABC since the very beginning, has won a junior ABA title, boxed for England and was crowned youth Tri-Nations champ.

“He is a very, very talented lad,” Paddy said. “He found it hard to fit boxing around being an apprentice gas engineer, but things have settled down now. He’s too talented to let it go.

“His style just suits the pro game. He likes to get involved and has tremendous head movement. He will be a lightweight, but he’s still growing.”

Farran, who lost only four of 34 as an amateur, has faced some of the best and reached the semis of major competitions. “He’s very heavy-handed,” Paddy said, “they both are. He’s stopped 10 and that’s a big knockout ratio for the amateurs.”

He’ll probably start his paid career at super-bantam.

Paddy added: “They are entering the pros without a lot of pressure, they can enjoy themselves and settle into the pro game. They can back themselves.

“I’m excited about being able to take my time with them. People may say they’ve turned over too young, but I know what’s out there. They have a good manager in Jon Pegg, a good trainer in myself. It’s a case of looking after them and guiding them.”