A long time in the pipeline but well worth the wait.
That is Alex Farrell, who is preparing for his eagerly anticipated first professional appearance on the European mainland, a whole 23 months after he was originally scheduled to.
The unbeaten North-East prospect will face Slovenia’s Aljaz Venko on the French Riveria on a major show at Le Cannet, a short right hook from Cannes.
It is an incredible location for Peterlee-based ‘Black Diamond’ and trainer Dave Binns to enjoy, but business will come first.
Farrell is up against a very live opponent as Binns told punch-lines ahead of this light-middlrweight six-rounder.
“His record is 5-2, but it’s probably really 6-1 because we’ve seem one of his defeats and it looked a win to us,” said Binns, who trains Alex at the East Durham Collerge gym.
“Venko looks good and he’s got a great pedigree.
“He’s boxed for Slovenia in the amateurs and been to all the big tournaments and while he’s not medalled, he has won bouts at these competitions.
“It’s a hard fight but Alex is looking mint and we are looking forward to it.”
And so they should given how good the Greek-Geordie has been performing.
The Northumbria University student has won a magnificent seven times as a pro, three inside the distance, though his most ‘recent’ contest was back in March, when he outpointed Konstantin Aleksandrov on the Probellum event at the Utilita Arena.
To get ready for this assignment he has shared a training ring with two North-East neighbours, Bobby Dalton and a certain Troy Williamson, while ‘the Black Diamond’ has been in with ‘the Black Panther’, Ishmael Davis, from Leeds.
“Alex is in great shape,” added Binns.
“He’s had some excellent sparring and it’s been a nice variety with Troy, Bobby and Ishmael.
“We’re looking forward to it.
“It’s a very good fight and it’s great experience and exposure for Alex to be on a world championship show.”
The Phil Jeffries managed star had been scheduled to box on this very show in December 2020!
Covid got in the way of all that, but it’s now finally here.
It is, as was the original date, an event headlined by the WBA world cruiserweight title battle between two unbeaten rivals, Armenian-born Frenchman Arsen Goulamirian and Aleksai Egorov, from Russia.
Farrell had been set to box France’s Stevens Bonicel in the 2020 version but has the equally-difficult match up with Venko instead.
The show is being broadcast to mainland Europe via Canal+ if you have the means or technology to tune in.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
