Hot bantamweight prospect and reigning English champion Ryan Farrag 13-1 (2KO’s) intends to crash the 8st 6lbs division in 2015 with his apprenticeship well and truly served.
Farrag returns to action on 14th March in Widnes with intentions of laying down a marker in the wake of confident weekend wins for future foes, British and European champion Lee Haskins, 31-3 (13KO’s) and WBO European and Commonwealth champion Ross Burkinshaw, 14-5-2 (8KO’s).
For once the British boxing spotlight is firmly fixed between 8st to 9st divisions, due to the World title success of Paul Butler, Stuart Hall, Jamie McDonnell, Scott Quigg and Carl Frampton. Add to this the burgeoning talents of Lee Selby, Josh Warrington, Kal Yafai, James ‘Jazza’ Dickens and Kid Galahad, there has never been a better time for Farrag to showcase his considerable talents.
This is not lost on the 27-year-old from Liverpool who, speaking to FKSports, believes he is ready for the next step given the opportunity and has made clear Ross Burkinshaw is his next target.
“As far as I’m concerned I want the fight and if Lee [Haskins] moves on and vacates the British title, me and Ross can fight for the British, Commonwealth and English titles on the same night.” He said.
“I don’t think Ross wants the fight though. He’s said it’s not a good fight for him at the moment. He’s blocked me on Twitter as well, so I can’t ask him why that is.” Farrag joked.
Jokes aside, Farrag is a level headed guy and accepts that any future fight with the Yorkshireman would be a difficult contest.
“Don’t get me wrong Ross is strong and a good fighter, it would be a great fight.”
It would be difficult to argue with Farrag whose slow burning early career was ignited with 2 impressive stoppages of Ashley Lane (TKO7) last time out and most notably the experienced Jason Booth (TKO4) in March 2014.
It’s fair to say that although Lane has lost when operating in good company and Booth is a fading force, both fighters come to fight, providing conditions that brought the best out of the aggressive counter puncher.
“It was difficult when I turned over, going from fighting the best lads in the country [Farrag holds an amateur win over Luke Campbell] as an amateur to fighting journeyman who come to survive, it’s difficult. I’ve always been a fighter who sets up his own attacks, draws leads and punishes them on the counter. I think I’ve shown against Booth and Lane that I am a better fighter when in with a live opponent.” He said.
Farrag is happy to admit that fighting experienced survivors has been a frustrating exercise at times, which in the early stages of his career he did not handle as well as he probably could have. But, he has bled the necessary evil for the invaluable experience it provides, developing a calm demeanour in the face of frustration that he believes will serve him well in the future.
With an opponent yet to be secured for his 14th March return the scouser could be forgiven for taking his eye off the ball, expecting an easy night’s work. But, that’s not Farrag’s style and nor can it be if his aspirations are to become reality.
“I don’t like taking things for granted and prefer to train as hard as I can and focus on getting to the fight in as good a condition as possible, no matter who the opponent is. I made that mistake against Ian Bailey [Farrag won a 6 round points decision] and it ended up being a tough fight.
“I learned that night never to take anything for granted or any fighter lightly.” He concluded.
It’s an attitude that will serve Farrag well in what is a huge year if he is going to make the impact he is certainly capable of.
