It’s 500 tickets sold and still counting for Farrell’s next contest

Paddy Farrell warms-up son Niall on the pads

NIALL Farrell, the star-spangled Birmingham amateur now chasing his dreams as a pro, is emerging as a phenomenal ticket-seller.

The Kingstanding, Birmingham, lightweight has already flogged over 500 tickets for his third paid bout on Tommy Owens’ September 9 show at Planet Ice, Solihull.

In these austere times, that’s an outstanding amount. And there’s still well over a month to go, so Farrell could, by first bell, have the vast majority of the large hall roaring him on.

The 25-year-old, a former Team GB fighter, is shifting tickets in pop festival proportions.

The last time Niall boxed – at the same venue – he had 300 fans present. The sharp rise in numbers for this one shows the fan-base is swelling, the word is spreading. Fight folk are realising that, in Farrell, Birmingham may have something special.

The calibre of Tommy Owens’ September 9 show – dedicated to lightweights - has no doubt helped. Scott Melvin and Mikey Lee Broughton contest the Midlands title and Tommy stages the second of his Top Boxer tournaments.

And the Farrells are a very well known name in boxing circles. Dad Paddy is the backbone of 2nd City ABC, Niall’s brothers are fine amateurs.

Paddy said: “I can’t believe we’ve done 500 tickets for September 9. The response is unbelievable - the last show we only did 300.

“It just shows how having Niall, the Midlands title fight and lightweight tournament on the same show has really excited the fans.”

September will be a busy month for Niall. Nineteen days after packing them in at Planet Ice, he’s out again, this time where his pro journey began.

On September 28 he fights at Scott Murray’s plush Excelsior Sporting Club at the Premier Suite, Cannock.

That will be Niall’s first six rounder. And the Farrell family won’t just be in best bib and tucker at the venue to watch the action.

Paddy explained: “The 28th is me and the wife’s wedding anniversary. I can’t wait -  as a boxing family, it’s a great way to celebrate the day. Mom’s nervous as hell, Dad loves the sport.”

Paddy and Niall are mapping a traditional route to the top – area title, British title, then beyond.

And the key, they say, is staying active.

Paddy added: “Niall is booked in for two fights in September. He needs to be active – (manager) Jon Pegg said, at this, level Niall should box every month. I agree, we need to be busy, keep ready to go.

“Hopefully we can get six fights in a year. Jon has a good plan.”

Niall, who has admitted making featherweight as an amateur became a struggle, is certainly enjoying life as a professional.

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

“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.”