Kieran Farrell came close to death in the ring but now he's a part of Daniel Dubois team
Kieran Farrell was lying in bed in Heywood early in 2013 watching clips on his phone of some of Deontay Wilder 's devastating knockouts.
He called for his brother, Nathan, to come watch them with him but his sibling could not. A boxing family but a brother who needed a break from the brutality of it.
Yet Kieran did not. Despite it just being a few months since he nearly lost his life in the ring in December 2012. After a thrilling English title fight with Manchester favourite Anthony Crolla, Farrell slumped soon after the first defeat of his career was confirmed. A bleed on the brain caused him to collapse and he very nearly lost a much bigger fight.
Yet here he was during his recovery already blissfully watching one of the most powerful punchers in the sport render opponents unconscious.
Boxing nearly took life from Farrell but he couldn't stop loving it. It is why he won't even grimace in the corner of Daniel Dubois this weekend should the fighter knock out Oleksadr Usyk.
'He really didn't want to look at it,' said Farrell. 'It knocked him sick, you know what I mean? 'Whereas, I loved it. I just enjoyed it, you know, I mean, I just think boxing has been like an obsession of mine.'
Farrell wanted to fight again when he recovered from the brain injury but obviously it was never an option with 30 per cent of his grey matter removed.
'I had depression. Mine might not have been publicised as much as Rick Hatton and there might not have been substance abuse and stuff like that,' said Farrell, a once promising lightweight now an in-demand trainer. 'But I just keep my head down and I have probably too many Ben & Jerry's or something, you know what I mean?
'My dad said to me, look we can do this, we can do that, we could open a business up for you, I'm like, dad, I don't want no f***ing money, I want to box but he said 'well you can't'."
Then it was a phone call from another fighter who had his career cut short due to a brain injury which sparked his move into coaching. 'Spencer Oliver rang me up and it was his idea,' said Farrell.
'The People's Gym' was born and Farrell would begin to not only help the local community but create amateur champions and decent pros.
He did it for a decade then opportunities further afield came up. A chance to work in Saudi Arabia was lucrative but difficult to be away from his young family.
Then a message from Dubois changed everything. Don Charles, Dubois' head coach, had seen some of Farrell's pad work and liked it. o the fighter himself got in touch via Instagram as he wanted a new face in his training team after a defeat by Usyk in 2023 was followed by a big win over Jarrell Miller.
Farrell moved his life to London and is one of the cogs in the machine which has seen Dubois steamroll Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua to go into this weekend's rematch with the Ukrainian as IBF heavyweight champion.
'If you asked me, did I think I'd be working with a heavyweight champion in the world or the world number five when we first started, the world no 2 behind Usyk?' he said. 'Never in a million years.' But this is just another chapter in Farrell's life.
He dreams of one day training a world champion in Las Vegas and fulfilling a dream he had as a fighter. But after 2012, everything is a success for Farrell.
'I can say life throws them roundabouts in there and we've just got to keep overcoming everything and just keep our heads down and just keep working hard, man,' he said. 'And everything will work out, it always does, you know what I mean?'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
23 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
'I told Benjamin Sesko to join me at Chelsea - this is what Man Utd could be getting'
Chelsea were one of the clubs in the race to sign Benjamin Sesko last summer, and a message from then-Blues player Djordje Petrovic has resurfaced as Manchester United eye up the striker Benjamin Sesko is reportedly on Manchester United's radar, and ex- Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has revealed what type of player Ruben Amorim's side would be recruiting. Alongside Ollie Watkins, the 22-year-old RB Leipzig striker is being considered in the final month of the summer transfer window. It's believed that Watkins would be open to a move to United, while Sesko's agent, Elvis Basanovic, has kept communication lines open with the Red Devils since discussing a potential move last year. The Slovenian international has been a hot topic in the transfer market since the end of the 2024/25 season. Arsenal seemed keen on Sesko but decided to pursue Viktor Gyokeres instead, sealing a £63.7million deal for the Swede last week. Now, it appears United and Newcastle are vying for Sesko's signature, with both Amorim and Eddie Howe eager to bolster their attacking options. However, various reports suggest that the striker is more inclined towards a move to Old Trafford. This isn't the first time Sesko has been linked with the Premier League. After rejecting United three years ago to join Leipzig, he was also nearly signed by Arsenal and Chelsea, reports the Manchester Evening News. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petrovic had high praise for Sesko ahead of Euro 2024 last year, stating he "has everything" needed to succeed in the Premier League. Before the tournament, Petrovic had watched Sesko play several times and assured the Blues that he'd be a surefire success in the English top flight. "I know [about the rumours linking him with Chelsea] and have been following him," Petrovic, who now plays for Bournemouth, told Nogomania. "He's having a good half season, he's in great scoring form. I read that he's scored in his last seven matches in a row. He seems to have gained strong momentum for the Euros. "He's a forward who has everything a modern player needs. He's tall, strong, fast and intelligent. I've watched some of his matches. Of course he can play in the Premier League. Absolutely! He has great potential, and he's been successfully proving it." According to Sky in Germany, United's board has been in touch with Sesko, and talks about a potential transfer to Old Trafford are possible. Should Sesko touch down in Manchester, manager Amorim has made it crystal clear exactly what he expects from any new recruits, saying: "They have to want to come here. "I think what we can do to the fans is that we want players who have proved [themselves] already. Sometimes you have a player with a lot of potential, you have to be aware of that, but all the players that are coming, we need to know the player. "We need to talk to the player, we have to explain the project. And then one really important thing is that they want to come here. That is the key point. "If during the market we can find someone that can help the team and have all that boxes with them, we are going to do it. If not, we cannot do it because it's an important time in our club." Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Scottish Sun
25 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Love Island's Ayo pictured with new girlfriend for first time – and she's got a very famous England football legend dad
The reality star appeared on Love Island last year UNITED IN LOVE Love Island's Ayo pictured with new girlfriend for first time – and she's got a very famous England football legend dad LOVE Island star Ayo Odukoya has been pictured with his new girlfriend Alicia Scholes for the first time after previously 'hard launching' her on Instagram earlier this month. The lovebirds have been spotted outside a coffee shop in Manchester yesterday while waiting for an Uber, dressed head to toe in sporty attires. Advertisement 7 Love Island's Ayo Odukoya has been pictured with his new girlfriend Alicia Scholes for the first time 7 The new couple dressed in casual attire 7 Alicia was seen on her phone while the two waited for an Uber The reality star, 26, who had previously sparked rumours of an All Stars appearance, was seen wearing a black t-shirt and grey shorts with white socks and a pair of casual black Birkenstocks. Meanwhile, Alicia, 24, sat on a pavement in a baggy white vest with black shorts and some casual brown shoes. She wore her hair in a ponytail as the two both appeared busy on their phones while they waited for their ride home. Alicia is the only daughter of former footballer Paul Scholes, 50, and his wife Clair Froggatt. Advertisement She currently plays for London Pulse in the Netball Super League and represents England at international level. Not only that but the blonde beauty is also an influencer, amassing over 100k followers on Instagram. Paul played for Manchester United for his entire professional playing career, scoring over 150 goals in more than 700 appearances between 1993 and 2013. The sports star is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time and was renowned for his technical skills, accurate passing and powerful shooting from a long range. Advertisement Earlier this month, Ayo took his and Alicia's relationship to the next level by going Instagram official. He uploaded a series of snaps of the stunning beauty posing while wearing a black dress. Love Island stars Jess and Ayo in bitter feud after shock split as they exchange jibes online In the pictures, Alicia looks off to the side before another photo appears of just the pair's shoes side by side. The loved-up duo first sparked up romance rumours in June when Alicia shared a series of pictures including one showing the back of a man's head, and another of her holding hands with someone wearing a black hoodie. Advertisement Fans were quick to point out that Ayo owns an identical hoodie, seen on his own profile, and that the man's distinct goatee closely resembled Ayo's. Ayo shot to fame on series 11 of Love Island last year and walked in as one of the original boys in the starting line-up. He immediately struck up a connection with Mimii Ngulube before being involved in a love triangle when Uma Jammeh walked into the villa. Ayo then met Jess Spencer in Casa Amor and the pair ended up making it to the final and ending their experience in fourth place. Advertisement However, the two only lasted two months outside of the villa and called time on their relationship in October 2024. Jess is now dating TOWIE star Roman Hackett's brother Braydon Hackett and the pair have been going strong since December last year. 7 The pair went public with their relationship earlier this month 7 Ayo lifted up his t-shirt as he waited outside a coffee shop in Manchester Advertisement 7 Ayo previously hard launched Alicia on social media Credit: no credit
Daily Mirror
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Historic boxing world champion who broke record with six titles dies aged 47
Alejandra 'Locomotora' Oliveras was a hero across women's boxing with the Argentinian legend transcending the ring as she captured six different belts in her time in the sport The boxing world is in mourning following the death of Argentinian legend Alejandra 'La Locomotora' Oliveras. The former world champion had been hospitalised for a fortnight after suffering a stroke and sadly passed away on Monday, July 28, at the age of 47. Oliveras was a trailblazer in women's boxing. She was the first woman to clinch six world titles across five weight divisions, making her an icon not just in Latin America but globally. Born in El Carmen, Jujuy, in 1978, Oliveras used her tough upbringing as fuel to carve out a successful life. She stepped into the ring for the first time in 2005 and made history the following year by becoming the first Argentine woman to win a world title abroad when she defeated Jackie Navas in Mexico. Oliveras continued to make waves in the sport, securing titles in the super bantamweight, featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight, and super featherweight divisions. Her remarkable achievements earned her two Guinness World Records and a place in the Latin American Boxing Hall of Fame in 2024. Despite being born in a tiny village near Rio IV, Cordoba, where she endured bullying as a child, Oliveras showed resilience. Becoming a mother at just 15, her dream of starting a family soon turned into a nightmare as she faced domestic abuse from her partner, reports the Express. "Tired of being hit, I found strength I didn't know I had and gave him a tremendous punch in the stomach and left with my baby," she said about her daring escape. She earned the nickname 'Locomotora', which translates to 'engine' in English, a nod to both her indomitable spirit and the might of her punch. Inspired to follow in the footsteps of Mike Tyson, Oliveras grabbed the attention of esteemed Cordoban coach Carlos Tello, who dedicated himself to refining her raw talent. Oliveras rose to national fame, engaging in legendary battles with Marcela 'La Tigresa' Acuña and Lely Luz Flórez, captivating audiences with a thrilling performance at the renowned Luna Park in Buenos Aires. Her crowning achievement came on May 20, 2006, when she overcame the formidable Navas by TKO in the ninth round to claim the WBC super bantamweight world title. She valiantly defended her title until December 2008, when it was taken from her by fellow Argentine and arch-rival Acuña in an epic showdown at Luna Park that captured global interest. Oliveras also vied for the WBC super lightweight championship in 2011 but was defeated via unanimous decision by Monica Acosta. Nevertheless, Oliveras carved out her legacy in the lightweight category the following year, seizing the WBC crown after knocking out Jessica Villafranca. She went on to defend her title against a string of challengers, including Diana Ayala, Migdalia Asprilla, Paulina Cardona, Dayana Cordero, and Calista Silgado. Back in 2013, Oliveras claimed the vacant WBC super lightweight crown in her bout against Florez. Her final appearance in the ring was in 2019, after which she called time on her 15-year career with an impressive tally of 33 victories, three losses, and two draws. Following her retirement, she established Team Locomotora - a Santa Fe gymnasium providing free boxing tuition. Her post-boxing endeavours proved equally compelling as her fighting days, as she pursued a seat in national congress while championing causes against gender-based violence, prejudice, and sporting inequality. News of her passing has sent shockwaves throughout global boxing circles. The WBA, which crowned her world champion on several occasions, expressed its "deep sorrow" upon learning of her death. "My gym has always been about teaching, supporting, and helping people who want to let off steam," she once reflected on her commitment to community service. Speaking about her remarkable resilience in facing the toughest challenges and fiercest rivals, she revealed that her strength "didn't come from physical strength but from my soul." Oliveras is survived by her two sons, Alejandro, 31, and Alexis, 27.
