Category: Sport

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Birmingham United FC’s First Team move home matches to Castle Vale Stadium

(l-r) Representatives from Birmingham United FC and Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group

Words supplied by The Pioneer Group

Birmingham United FC is proud to announce a major milestone in the club’s journey — the first team will now play its home fixtures at Castle Vale Stadium, marking the first time since adopting the name Birmingham United that the senior side will compete within the city of Birmingham itself.

This move represents more than just a change of venue — it is a homecoming, a statement of intent, and a foundation for further impact and growth.

Founded with the goal of creating opportunities for talented young footballers across Central Birmingham, Birmingham United FC has built a reputation for developing players both on and off the pitch.

Sign outside Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King

The relocation of the first team to Castle Vale aligns with the club’s mission to be based at the heart of the Birmingham footballing community and to use sport as a tool for positive change.

“Playing in Birmingham has always been a key goal for us,” said Rajab Noor, Birmingham United FC Chairman.

He adds: “Castle Vale Stadium offers fantastic facilities and a passionate local community. We’re excited not only to bring semi-professional football to the area but also to support the next generation of players through new grassroots and youth initiatives.”

The club intends to work closely with The Pioneer Group – who own and operate Castle Vale Stadium – and other local stakeholders in and around Castle Vale to create accessible football pathways for children and young people.

Public attending football match at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King

Plans are already underway to expand Birmingham United’s grassroots programme — developing new youth teams, delivering coaching sessions, and supporting initiatives that harness the positive social impact of sport.

A spokesperson for the local football club added: “Football has the power to transform the lives of young people, unite communities together and remedy society’s greatest inequalities.

“By basing ourselves in Castle Vale, we feel well-placed to have a significant positive impact on young people across the area.”

As Birmingham United FC embarks on this exciting new chapter, the club invites local residents, fans, and supporters to join them at Castle Vale Stadium and be part of a growing movement that champions opportunity, ambition, and community spirit.

Irfan Mehboob, The Pioneer Group’s Head of Community Facilities, told: “It’s fantastic to have Birmingham United FC hosting their home games here at Castle Vale Stadium. The stadium remains an integral part of our community, and we’re delighted to see more people making use of this great facility.”

He added: “Since investing in the stadium, we hope even more people will take advantage of the excellent facilities we have here.”

For more on Birmingham United FC and links to the club’s social media visit: www.linktr.ee/bhamutd

For more on Castle Vale Stadium visit: www.castlevalestadium.co.uk

For more from The Pioneer Group visit: www.pioneergroup.org.uk

The Pioneer Group is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

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NEWS: Erdington’s undefeated MMA star Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair takes on Sweeden’s Mateo Lerena – Saturday 13 September

Words by Ed King

Erdington’s undefeated professional MMA star, Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair, is preparing for his next fight – this time taking on Sweeden’s Mateo Lerena on Saturday 13 September.

To be held at the Västerås Kongress entertainment and exhibition venue – in Västerås, Sweeden – the international bout is being organised by Fight Club Rush (FCR), Scandanivia’s self-declared ‘fastest growing MMA organisation’.

Taking a break from training, Mo Zubair told Erdington Local: “I’m looking forward to showcasing my skillset on FCR – it’s a huge show, live on UFC Fight Pass which goes out to millions of people across the world.”

He added: “I’ve worked hard for this opportunity a win here takes me one more step closer to my dream of signing to the UFC.”

UFC Fight Pass, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s official digital streaming service, is a global media platform for the sport – broadcasting over 40 fights each year to over 600,000 subscribers across the world.

The attention from UFC in broadcasting this event is a shot in the arm to Zubair’s rising profile within the world of MMA, as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of Team Renegade peer and UFC World Champion Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards.

Both Mo Zubair and Leon Edwards were raised in North Birmingham and trained at the Ultimate Training Centre gym, that was once located on Erdington High Street, with the two young sportsmen finding the world of MMA a lifeline in their youth.

Zubair previous told Erdington Local: “Leon is a big inspiration to me; he has been really supportive. He has let me join him in training camps and join him on the circuit.”

He added: “He proves what can be achieved. We are alike, we both came from the streets and just turned up to the gym and changed our lives.”

Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair announced winner after beating Spain’s Santata Nester, March 2024 / Photograph supplied by Mo Zubair

Mo Zubair moved into professional MMA in March 2024, facing off against Spain Santata Nester and beating his opponent by corner stoppage in the first round.

His next fight, against Darlington’s Liam Thoams – who stood three inches over Zubair – saw him knock out his opponent with a precision placed left hook in the first ten seconds of the fight, despite Zubair only accepting the bout eight days prior to stepping in the ring.

Zubair currently has five professional fighters to his name, winning four of them in the first round.

Only Mauro Pina, also from England, managed to last the distance with Zubair – but lost to unanimous judges’ decision, allowing Zubair to maintain his unbeaten professional record.

Mateo Lerena has fought two professional MMA bouts and is also undefeated.

Zubair fights mostly in the Bantamweight class, standing 5ft 7in and weighing in at 126lbs. Mateo Lerena fights both Bantamweight and Flyweight, standing at 5ft 7in and weighing in at 130 lbs.

Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair will face Mateo Lerena on 13 September at the Västerås Kongress in Sweeden.

The fight will be broadcast on UFC Fight Pass, for more details and to secure a live stream visit: www.ufcfightpass.com

Alternatively, for more details for on Mo Zubair’s fight against Mateo Lerena visit www.facebook.com/fightclubrushfcr

And click on the following links to follow Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair on Instagram and Facebook.

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NEWS: Castle Vale Town FC win first game of the season 4-0

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale Town FC, aka the Spitfires, played their first game of the season against AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August – with the match played at their home ground, Castle Vale Stadium.

Established in 1998, and currently seventh in Division Three of the Midland Football League, the Castle Vale club recently signed four young players – including Rayarn Henry – who enjoyed their first competitive debut this month.

Minutes into the first half a visitor injury halted play, but as the game continued both sides fought hard to keep possession of the ball. A breakthrough for the Spitfires came shortly before half time with Josh Pitters scoring the first goal.

The second half created some good chances, and the team built momentum with Jordan Mackenzie scoring a second goal and setting the pace for the rest of the game.

Despite a missed penalty, five minutes later Owen Reynolds leapt into the box scoring the Spitfire’s third goal. An altercation between Zaman and one of the visitors created friction but was quickly diffused.

Just three minutes before full-time, Edam Suliman scored an impressive fourth goal, securing a win for Castle Vale Town FC before backflipping to celebrate the victory.

At full time the score was 4-0 to Castle Vale.

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Manager Luke Evans told Castle Vale Local: “I’m really, really happy, we didn’t know what to expect from them today but they’re always a good side.

He added: “We’ve had a really good pre-season, and we prepared well, the kids that come off the bench did a really good job also, it was just a good day really, a good day in the office.”

Castle Vale Town FC are based at Castle Vale Stadium, behind Farnborough Road on the Castle Vale estate.

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale Stadium has been managed by The Pioneer Group since 2014, after the prominent estate landlord took responsibility for the sports facility from Birmingham City Council and saved it form closure.

Castle Vale Stadium also hosts local squads including Concords FC and Romulus FC.

PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Town FC beat AFC Birmingham at Castle Vale Stadium / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

For more on Castle Vale Town FC visit www.castlevalefc.clupik.app

For more on Castle Vale Stadium visit www.castlevalestadium.co.uk

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NEWS: Open day at Erdington Court Bowls Club hopes to attract new members and “defeat the killer armchair”

Words by Ed King

Team players celebrate on outdoor lawn at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club

An open day at Erdington Court Bowls Club (ECBC) is hoping to attract new members to the sport and “defeat the killer armchair” that stops too many people from enjoying regular exercise – according to a club spokesperson.

Held on Monday 26 May, the free to attend event will give Erdington locals the chance to have a go at lawn bowls on a full sixed indoor pitch, with the hope they will take up the sport as a regular activity.

EBCC boasts a wide range of facilities, with both indoor and outdoor lawns, enabling people of all ages and abilities to take part in the sport – whatever the weather.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic alone, over £150,000 has also been fundraised by ECBC to allow people with a range of physical confidence to take an active part in the club and encourage a variety of new members.

Support has come from funds including the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS), facilitated by Witton Lodge Community Association on behalf of Birmingham City Council and partners.

Fundaraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club – with Paulette Hamilton MP (centre left) and Ray Woods (centre right) holding a cheque / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club

The longstanding club also hosts a range of social events and activities for the local community, hoping to challenge social isolation through a healthy and interactive pastime.

The clubhouse has a bar and lounge area, and regular events such as the club’s popular Bowl for Health programme – which combines an hour of bowls on the indoor court with a social event afterwards – have been providing extra sessions for people living with Parkinsons diseases and brain injury.

The Erdington club was also recently shortlisted for two awards in the prestigious Bowls England National Awards 2025, sponsored by AVIVA.
ECBC, which was founded 100 years ago this year, was recognised for its work encouraging new members to the sport and supporting the wider community with a nomination in the ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ category.

The second nomination is for Club Charity Trustee and lead on community affairs, Ray Woods, who has been celebrated as an ‘Unsung Hero’ for his tireless work at the century old club.

A collage of members and activities at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club

Membership to ECBC costs around £4.50 per week and the open day on 26 May is hoping to encourage more people to take up the sport and join the local community hub. (Click here to read more about Erdington Court Bowls Club in our recent COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT feature.)

A spokesperson for ECBC told Erdington Local: “The open day a part of our campaign to defeat the killer armchair and celebrate our centenary at the same time. It is a chance for people of all ages to try a new sport and meet other people at our club – which is open the whole year round.”

They added: “Too many people now spend hours sitting in armchairs watching sport or flicking through mobile phones – but not being active themselves. We want to reverse that trend and offer local residents of all ages the chance to try bowls for themselves in our full size indoor arena.”

The Erdington Court Bowls Club open day on 26 May is part of the nationwide Big Bowls Weekend, where over 800 bowls clubs across the country will be organising events to promote the sport and encourage new members.

Erdington Court Bowls Club is situated on Bowling Green Close, off Goosemoor Lane, in Erdington.

For more details on Erdington Court Bowls Club visit www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk or call 07801 227 367.

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NEWS: Erdington MMA star Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair fights for first professional title on 12 April

Words by Ed King

Erdington MMA fighter, Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair’, is competing for his first professional title on Saturday 12 April – facing off against Mike Jurik from the Czech Republic at the Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground.

Promoted by Battle Arena, Zubair and Jurik will be the headline bout in the featherweight category, with a total of 28 fights, both professional and amateur, on the evening’s bill.

Standing at 5ft 7”, and with fights both the Featherweight and Bantamweight class, Mo ‘Terminaror’ Zubair entered the world of professional MMA in March 2024 – where he beat Spain’s Nestor Santana by corner stoppage after the first round.

Mo’s next fight, the following June, saw him step up last minute to fight Darlington’s Liam Thomas, beating the established British in only 12 second with a ferocious first round knock-out.

Video of the fight went viral on social media and got the Erdington fighter on the radar of promoters across the sport.

Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair knocks out Liam Thomas in first round / Pic supplied by Mo Zubair

The spectacular first round KO also drew platitudes from other MMA stars – including the former UFC Welterweight champion from Aston/Erdington, Leon Edwards, whom Zubair shared a gym with as part of Team Renegade.

Subsequent fights would see Mo Zubair defeat the UK’s Maro Pina by unanimous decision and finish off Sweden’s Martin Fouda with a Guillotine Choke in the first round.

Dedicated to his rising MMA career, Mo previous told Erdington Local: “I train twice a day, I go home and do the same the next day. I don’t go to any nightclubs, or any of that. I want to fight in the UFC.

“That is where the action is and I will not settle for anything less, it is the Premier League of MMA.”

Talking about Leon Edwards, Mo added: “Leon is a big inspiration to me, he has been really supportive. He has let me join him in training camps and join him on the circuit.

“He proves what can be achieved. We are alike, we both came from the streets and just turned up to the gym and changed our lives.

“And it would be great to have two fighters from Erdington as champions. It can be done.”

Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair fights Mike Jurik at the Northamptonshire County Showground on Saturday 12 April. For further information and links to online ticket sales visit www.facebook.com/mma.battlearena

Click on the links to follow Mo ‘Terminaror’ Zubair on Instagram and Facebook.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Paget Rangers return to the Vale

Words and lead image supplied by The Pioneer Group / Supporting pics by Ed King

Birmingham-based Paget Rangers have come home to Castle Vale, playing on Saturday afternoons at Castle Vale Stadium as per league fixtures.

Since leaving the estate in the late 90s, the football club are already re-engaging with the local community by welcoming them to their home games.

The team are also preparing to provide free football training at the stadium, for those living in Castle Vale and surrounding areas.

Dave Travers, Stadium Manager at Castle Vale Stadium, said: “We are delighted to have brought back Paget Rangers to the stadium, as a new club with a big community focus.

“With a junior section of teams from ages 7 to 18, they have a clear pathway into first team football and are producing their first own team players.”

Lee Woods, Stadium Duty Officer, added: “It’s exciting to welcome Paget Rangers back home and see how the club drives forward.

“All of us at the stadium and wider organisation, The Pioneer Group, look forward to the future of this new, bright partnership.”

Almost 25 years ago, Paget Rangers moved to their home, Vale Stadium in Castle Vale, for the start of the 1998/1999 season, after five seasons ground sharing with Sutton Coldfield Town.

Unfortunately, this did not work out – however, The Pioneer Group bought the stadium, maintaining a community sport and social hub for Castle Vale residents.

Sean Feeney, Chairman of Paget Rangers, said: “We believe that Castle Vale Stadium can be the heartbeat of this football club and residents of the local community can be our 12th man.

“We look forward to supporters joining us, so we have decided to offer all residents from Castle Vale a discounted season ticket this year.”

For more from Paget Rangers visit www.pagetrangers.co.uk

For more information about Castle Vale Stadium, visit  www.castlevalestadium.co.uk or follow the venue on Facebook @Castle Vale Stadium

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale Community Housing, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

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NEWS: Erdington’s MMA rising star Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair wins crucial fight by first round knock out

Words by Erdington Locsal editorial team

Erdington’s Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair scored an astonishing first round knock-out victory in a crucial MMA fight last weekend, spectacularly announcing his entrance to professional MMA fighting.

On Saturday 1 June, Mo Zubair headed to Darlington for the second fight in his burgeoning professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) career – to challenge hometown favourite Liam Thomas.

After taking the fight after only eight days notice, Mo stepped up a weight to take on the more seasoned opponent but stunned The Dolphin Centre crowd by knocking Thomas out stone cold.

It took the Erdington fighter just 13 seconds to win, which quickly went viral across MMA websites across the world.

Mo Zubair, a Team Renegade trained fighter, caught Thomas flush on the chin with a counter punch which sent him crashing to the canvas and the referee scrambling to protect him from anymore punishment.

Mo told Erdington Local: “It was a successful night. We left Birmingham at 2pm, got up there around 5.30pm, registered, had a coffee and then fought around 10pm.

“I won after 13 seconds in the first round. There was a huge noise with the shock, I think. We were back in Birmingham by 2.30am.

“I was up the next day to meet my manager for a sauna and was back training again this morning (Monday).”

In a sport which more than any other relies on an athlete’s ability to excite fans as well as winning, Mo’s devastating finish will make him a more attractive proposition to promoters’ match makers.

He continued: “People love to see a knock-out, especially other fighters; I had Leon Edwards message me straight after the fight saying great finish. And he was buzzing in the gym this morning, it was great seeing the team again after a win like that.

“One of videos has already had 80,000 views and I’ve noticed some veteran UFC fighters’ comments saying great knock-out which is brilliant exposure for me.”

The route to the top table of the sport involves being invited and then excelling in various MMA tournaments and championships.

UFC world champions and stars like Leon Edwards and Conor McGregor were champions in promotions like Cage Warriors and Bellator before catching the eye of the most powerful man in the sport Dana White.

In March this year, Mo Zubair won his first professional MMA fight again Nestor Santana, beating the Spaniard by corner stoppage in the first round.

Last weekend’s fight was part of Unity Fighting Championships, Mo’s second professional MMA appearance, and has already set his sights set on climbing the ladder.

Mo added: “I think this was my first and only fight on a Unity bill, my team will take stock and look at our options.

“I am a prize fighter, I will fight anywhere, anytime, providing the money is right.

“I want another two fights this year. I want to end 2024 4-0.”

Click on the links to follow Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair on Instagram and Facebook.

For more form Unity Fighting Championships visit www.facebook.com/unityfighting

 

 

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NEWS: Erdington’s Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair looks to climb the professional MMA ranks with second fight on 1 June

Pics supplied by Mo Zubair

Erdington fighter Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair is looking to climb the ranks of professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), accepting the high profile bout with eight only days notice.

Mo is taking on hometown favourite Liam Thomas in Darlington tomorrow night (Saturday, 1 June) in what will be a massive jump in class from his first fight – where he beat Spain’s Nestor Santana on 2 March this year.

(Click here to read more on Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair’s first professional MMA fight.)

Mo is also jumping up a weight to share a ring with fancied feather weight Thomas.

However, a victory would accelerate Mo’s ascent to the top table of the sport – the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

To achieve his dream Mo will have to excel, excite, and impress in a succession of other MMA tournaments.

The 23-year-old told Erdington Local: “I am fighting in the Unity Fighting Championships against Liam Thomas.

“He is more experienced than me and had an impressive boxing career before switching to MMA.”

He added: “I took the fight with just eight days notice and I am going up a weight. But I am a full time professional fighter so I am fit enough to compete.”

Mo’s confidence stems from being a respected long-standing member of Team Renegade. The Northfield based MMA gym boasts a stable of fighters renowned across the world including UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, a fellow Erdingtonian.

He said: “I train with the best in the world, every day I am learning from the best and competing with the best.

“The Team Renegade mindset is a winning one, so of course I would accept a fight which will be massive for my career if I win.”

He added: “I will have Team Renegade cornermen with me for the fight, they have seen it all.”

Mo hit the weight ahead of the bout, tipping the scales at 65.8 kg and believes his eight day preparation might even give him the edge. He is also hopeful of any hometown support whilst fighting up north.

Mo added: “If there are any Brummies or Erdington people in and around Darlington then come down and support me!”

The Unity Fighting Championship is at The Dolphin Centre, Darlington, on Saturday 1 June. Doors open at 6pm.

To follow Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair on Instagram visit www.instagram.com/mozubairmma

For more on The Dolphin Centre visit www.facebook.com/HealthyDarlington

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NEWS: Erdington’s Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair wins MMA professional debut

Pics supplied by Mo Zubair

An Erdington MMA fighter has begun the long road to international UFC glory with the backing of world champion Leon Edwards.

Mo Zubair spent five years in the amateur MMA ranks and entered the professional arena by winning his bout in Wolverhampton on 2 March in spectacular fashion.

The 23-year-old has trained with fellow Erdingtonian Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards, who proved to every fighter in the UK it was possible to win world titles without being trained in America.

Mo told Erdington Local: “Leon is a big inspiration to me, he has been really supportive. He has let me join him in training camps and join him on the circuit.

“He proves what can be achieved. We are alike, we both came from the streets and just turned up to the gym and changed our lives.”

Mo first began contact sports with a visit to Tyburn Boxing Club as a child. He loved the smells, sounds, and sense of belonging that boxing could bring.

However, like many boxers, fighters, and fans alike, Mo had his head turned by MMA – Mixed Martial Arts. And in Erdington, the catalyst was the popular Ultimate Training Centre (UTC) gym at the old Blockbuster building on the High Street. UTC was the first in the region to have a full size octagon and quickly became a magnet for combat sports athletes from across Birmingham.

Eventually, after being forced to vacate the old premises and several false dawns, UTC left Erdington with its talented trainers scattering to the winds – until a group of trainers began Team Renegade, at a purpose built gym in Northfield.

The rising stars of the Erdington fight scene were Leon Edwards and his brother fighter Fabian, and they followed their trainers to Team Renegade in Northfield. American UFC experts and fighters mocked the facilities and quality of coaching in the UK, let alone Birmingham.

However, Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards stuck with his training team and recorded one of the greatest knockout finishes in sporting history – clinching the welterweight championship by knocking out champion Kamaru Usman in the final seconds of the bout, whilst losing on every judge’s card.

The gym shot to global fame when Joe Rogan showed the new champion a clip of a live video of the gym celebrating back home. Mo said: “I was in the room that night, it was incredible, life changing. I know want to be fighting in the UFC just like Leon. Because of his success there are some UFC fighters training at Team Renegade and West Midlands has become a real hotbed of MMA.”

After winning the biggest amateur competitions possible, including Cage Warriors and Gladiator UK, Mo turned professional on the advice of Team Renegade.

He said: “You can’t just turn professional, you have to be ready and I think I am.

“I am coming up to six years as an amateur so it’s time. I started in small shows and ended up winning the biggest amateur events in the country.”

As an amateur, Mo fought as a flyweight but has begun his tilt at professional glory as a bantamweight.

Fighting on the Golden Ticket Promotions bill at KK’s Steel Hangar in Wolverhampton, Mo won his first professional victory in early March – facing off against Nestor Santana, who already had six professional MMA fights before finished in the first round.

Former John Wilmott School pupil Mo said: “I won with a first round corner stoppage which is a great way to start my professional career. My manager and trainer are just weighing offers and options.”

He added: “I train twice a day, I go home, and do the same the next day. I don’t go to any nightclubs, or any of that. I want to fight in the UFC. That is where the action is and I will not settle for anything less, it is the Premier League of MMA.

“And it would be great to have two fighters from Erdington as champions. It can be done.”

To follow Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair on Instagram visit www.instagram.com/mozubairmma

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NEWS: Professional Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell gets ready for September fights

By Erdington Local news team

Kingstanding boxer Niall Farrell is “loving” life as a professional and keeping busy with two fights this month – his first taking place at Planet Ice in Solihull on Saturday 9 September.

Fighting in the All of the Lights tournament, presented by Tommy Owens Promotions LTD, Farell will appear as an undercard on a bill of lightweight boxers from across the country – including Nottingham’s Delmar Thomas and Dudley’s Ryan Griffiths.

For more information and links to online tickets sales for All of the Lights, click here.

Niall Farell, a former Team GB member, swapped fighting for his country across the world to enter the professional ranks earlier this year and made an impressive start with unbeaten 2-0 record.

The 25-year-old is still training at Second City Boxing, Kingstanding, and has appointed Birmingham veteran John Pegg as his manager to navigate the notoriously slippery world of the fight game.

He told Erdington Local: “I hopefully will be 4-0 by the end of the month, and then hope to fight another twice before the end of the year.

“I am loving being a pro-fighter now; I always have a date to fight, and I am learning every day and I am keeping busy.”

He added: “The lightweight division has some of the best pound for pound fighters in the world and I am just starting out, so I am just concentrating on the next fight.”

Niall is fighting on Saturday 9 Septemebr at Solihull’s Planet Ice. A key component of being a pro-fighter is being a “ticket seller” and ‘Wacka Farrell’ has already amassed a big following from Kingstanding.

He said: “I am not sure how many I’ve sold but I know there is a coach leaving Kingstanding for Solihull. I am so grateful to everyone who supports me, now I am professional people will be able to see me locally instead of me flying all over the world in amateur tournaments.”

Saturday’s opponent was meant to be Niall’s toughest test yet, Logan Paling, but he has had to rearrange the bout for Thursday, 28 September at Cannock’s Bar Sport.

Niall said: “I am not sure who my opponent is on Saturday (9 September), but I can’t wait to get back in the ring. The difference from amateur three bout fights and longer professional fights is it’s not such a big rush, I can take my time.”

Niall decided to turn professional after a controversial decision ended his dream of winning gold at last year’s Commonwealth Games in his own city.

He said: “I had a great amateur career, fighting for your country all over the world is a great experience. It gave me a profile which is helping me as a pro and the bonds I made with the boxers who were my teammates are still there.” 

Niall still helps out at Black Country homeless charity The Good Shepherd regularly and enjoyed running Second City’s summer children’s camp in the school holidays.

He said: “We will be doing more summer camps because it was a real success, it was not just about boxing but it was nice to see some of the children join the club afterwards.”

Click on the links to follow Niall Farrell on social media including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

For more on Second City Boxing visit www.facebook.com/Second-City-Boxing-Club