Alex Farrell looks on the verge of something big after making it a perfect 10 out of as a professional.
But it does not mean the unbeaten 25-year-old light-middleweight is going to be rushed. Far from it.
Peterlee’s ‘Black Diamond’ already looks something special, as he proved in five breathless minutes at Rainton Arena, where he stopped Jensen Irving in the second round of their contest.
He appears ready now for an Area title or English Championship eliminator, but trainer David Binns says they will take the “steady” approach.
“Alex has only had 10 fights,” said the coach who handsomely guided Glenn Foot to the English and Commonwealth titles and who trains Farrell at the East Durham College gym.
“We’ll pick our way through [the division] and it will be a case of steady progress.
“Alex has not done an eight-rounder yet and that will be the next step.
“That’s what it’s about, taking the right steps.
“When I looked at the British ratings Alex is 20-something, so ideally we might like a boxer in the teens to move him up.
“When the match with Jensen was initially agreed, he was 4-0, and he’s a decent kid.
“I was dead impressed with Alex, it was a very good win.
“We are all on the same page where it comes to his career, we talk about it together and move forward together.”
Farrell would seem to have everything a boxer requires, an exceptional attitude and devotion, incredible conditioning, a great coaching and management team, eye-catching moniker and, as important as anything, heavy hands.
He was certainly one of the stand-out stars on the undercard of the Matt McCallum v Adam Hepple Northern Area title showdown
Farrell was immediately into his stride at Rainton Arena with a strong jab and some sharp combinations against his opponent from Swindon. Irving had come to the show in good nick himself, having clocked up four wins and a defeat so far and neat left to Farrell’s head early in the second reminded the ‘Black Diamond’ it might not be one-way traffic.
However, when the Phil Jeffries-managed prospect smashed a right through the middle, Jensen was sent to the canvas.
While he got up at the count of eight, Irving looked unsteady and referee Neil Close, correctly, waved it off at the two minute, one second mark.
“The finish was absolutely awesome,” said Binns. “He had hurt him in the first and Jensen took the fight on in the second round and it played into Alex’s hands.”
Victory on the Jobes show was the fourth early win for the Greek-Geordie and superbly executed.
Binns explained that his power is something they have been concentrating on and developing in their EDC HQ.
“We’ve been working on the technique of punching,” said the trainer. “It’s about how you throw the punch.
“You can see it not just from last Friday, but he’s tagged one or two in sparring as well even though he’s not wanted to show any bad intent or any malice.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
