Niall following in the footsteps of greats
Niall Farrell…next stop is Cannock’s Excelsior Sports Club
LOOK at the Midlands Area Council’s Prospect of the Year trophy and it’s a who’s who of future champions, writes MATT BOZEAT.
There’s Carl Froch, Sam Eggington and the latest name inscribed on the trophy is Niall Farrell.
“I was happy just to be nominated,” said the 26 year old from Kingstanding.
“I don’t think the competition has ever been tougher. I want to follow in the footsteps of the other names that are on the trophy.”
To fans outside the Midlands, it’s, ‘Niall who?’
Farrell was well known as an amateur, winning European Championship silver during his 126-bout career, but as a pro he’s been under the radar.
There have been no fights on televised shows or controversial interviews.
He’s been learning his trade away from the spotlight – and, most importantly, he’s been busy.
Farrell clocked up five fights in his first eight months as a pro and is planning a busy 2024 as well, with fight number six set for the Excelsior Sporting Club dinner show in Cannock on Thursday, March 21.
“I was boxing every week as an amateur and I didn’t want to go from that to boxing once or twice a year,” said the 5-0 lightweight prospect.
“I’ve got friends who are going to the gym every day and waiting for the phone to ring, while I’ve got dates booked in.
“I want to be fighting, not training and hoping the ‘phone rings.
“I want more fights this year against better opposition and start making my way.
“The way I’m going I will be 10-0 by the end of the year.”
His next two dates are already pencilled in, with an open show at Cannock’s Bar Sport on Sunday, April 28, following this month’s engagement.
The Excelsior Sporting Club at Bar Sport’s Premier Suite has proved popular with punters – and Farrell has enjoyed the black-tie occasions.
“Who doesn’t like getting dressed up, eating good food and watching two lads trying to kill each other?” he laughed.
The shows have also given Farrell the chance to show his skills off to Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, who conquered the world in Farrell’s weight class.
“We’ve had a few chats,” said Farrell. “He’s been to the gym and given me some of his knowledge. He’s been there and done it and to hear him say, ‘you’re a good lad’ means I’m doing something right.”
Farrell has won all 20 rounds he’s boxed as a pro so far and says the transition from the amateur ranks has been smooth.
“I always had a pro style,” he said, “but I had to box like an amateur to win amateur fights.
“The amateur style is on your toes, tippy tappy. I’m trying to hurt them now. This is pro boxing and they call it ‘the hurt business’ for a reason and I love it. I love hurting people!”