Under new management but with the original ambition.
That is Alex Farrell, who can’t wait to resume his career on Saturday, June 29 when he fights Miroslav Serban at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.
It will be his first fight for London-based manager/promoter Mark Prior, better known as Mo.
When Farrell blitzed Jenson Irving last July, the Greek-Geordie looked ready for take-off, with coach Dave Binns saying his talented light-middleweight, or super-welter if you prefer, was ready for a step up to eight rounders and a step up in opposition.
A switch in management from Phil Jeffries to Prior has delayed matters but he is back AND ready.
The ‘Black Diamond’ has built a record of 10-0, with four of his successes coming early. Exciting to watch, he hopes to spread his wings under Prior.
“That’s the plan,” said the 26-year-old, who trains at the East Durham College gym in Peterlee.
“I want to move into eight-rounders now, but I have a very good team and a smart team. They said it would be best to do a six-rounder for the first fight back and then go on to eight rounds and a better opponent.
“I need to listen to my team, so I look forward to getting rid of any ring-rust on Saturday then move forward to bigger fights and longer rounds.
“They are still developing their North-East shows but have a lot of shows in London so would love to jump on those.
“It would be nice to have one or two fights in London to be more active and win some new fans.”
Serban’s record, both overall and recent, is a very decent one.
Last time out he secured a draw in Poland against a home fighter and at the back end of last year he took the unbeaten record of German 8-0 prospect Miridon Mulloli in Magdeburg.
His 14-16-2 fight log includes seven wins via stoppage so clearly he is not a man to be taken lightly.
“The camp has gone well,” added Alex. “I’ve had some great spars, no injuries, the weight is very good, everything is perfect.
“I’ve seen some videos of him, he’s a good operator and boxed some great guys, he’s got upsets on his record including a guy who had been 8 and 0.
“He is a very respectable opponent, but I believe my skills are at a different level. I am not saying it is going to be easy, but I will be able to to the job.”
Asked if he is looking to carry on from where he left off against Irving, Farrell said: “I will look to be better than that. It’s pointless just being the same as the last performance.”
Three other undefeated North-East boxers take to the ring in Spennymoor.
Trimdon’s Tom Summerbell seeks his eighth straight win against Fonz Alexander while Sunniside’s Josh Blenkiron goes for victory number four when he faces Carlisle’s Jake Osgood.
Darlington’s Liam Copping has a tricky test as he chases his third win, coming up against Tom Ramsden who gave Jim Tyers a good fight at Eston Leisure Centre in April.
Two Irish debutants are listed to box, Matthew Boreland and Myles Casey.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Tom Collins
