Niall Farrell: fighter tipped for big things
Niall Farrell…second pro contest at Planet Ice, Solihull
THE ring apprenticeship of Niall Farrell – one of the best amateurs to come out of Birmingham – continues tomorrow (Saturday) at Solihull’s Planet Ice.
The former GB star – a young man with a huge following – faces vastly experienced Liam Richards on Tommy Owens’ marathon, 12 bout Solihull Planet Ice bill.
It’s a sensible, learning encounter for a 25-year-old lightweight taken part in only his second professional contest.
Richards, who recently took part in his 100th bout, has tested the best – and, incredibly, only one opponent has prevented him hearing the final bell. The 36-year-old possesses every old pro trick in the book.
Farrell’s elite amateur status – he faced the very best in the world – has made finding opponents difficult. I know securing someone to share the ring with him at Planet Ice has proved particularly problematic.
Rugged Logan Paling, from Shaun Cogan’s gym, was in the frame, but a KO defeat in his last contest put paid to that bout.
Two foreign boxers were also approached before Richards’ name surfaced late on Thursday afternoon.
Paddy Farrell, Niall’s father and trainer, told me: “Niall’s had a few opponents pull out. We’ve got a last minute opponent, nice and reliable. Liam has educated many prospects.
“It’s good for Niall, we know what we’re doing. These are good, learning fights. Get through these and keep clocking-up the fights. Get five or six in this year and then move on.”
What fans will witness tomorrow night is the start of a very exciting journey. Farrell has every shot in the book and, refreshingly, intends to progress along the traditional lines – Midlands title, Commonwealth and British title, then beyond.
He’s slick and well schooled.
There’s a traditional, old school feel about Niall’s backroom team. The journey is very much a family affair and the Farrells – backbone of Kingstanding’s 2nd City gym – are a well known and respected fighting family.
They take me back to the days of the Finnegans, Chris and Kevin.
I was present for Niall’s debut, on the inaugural night of Scott Murray’s Excelsior Sporting Club. He romped home against Simas Volosinas and hit the tungsten tough Lithuanian with barrage after barrage. Volosinas showed an astonishing capacity to soak-up punishment.
In a four rounder, Niall will do well to stop Richards.
Watching Farrell, long and lean, I find it astonishing he competed against the biggest names in amateur boxing at featherweight. Boiling his body down to nine stone could not have been comfortable and it must’ve affected performances as he approached his mid-20s. The man looks like a welter.
That nightmare is now over for Niall.
“It was a struggle,” he admitted. “I feel so much better now, I’m the strongest I’ve ever been. People say how much healthier I look and, importantly, I’m enjoying it.
“I’ve got so much more energy. Now I’m back with my dad (trainer Paddy) and he’s pushing me to be an even better all-round boxer.”
In a previous interview, Niall told me: “I want to do things the traditional way, start from the bottom and work my way up, first an area title, then English, then British…I want all the titles, I want to be a seasoned pro.
“I’ll box anyone, I always have done, always will. I’m really looking forward to the pro journey, but we’ll take it at our own pace, time’s on my side.
“It sounds mad. We’re in no rush, but I want everything now.”