Dark days are over – Rejuvenated Ruddy Farrell targets titles

Ruadhan Farrell [3(1)-1(0)] slipped into a dark place after his first career defeat but can now see titles glistening in the light at the end of the tunnel.

The Belfast fighter had a whirlwind 2022, finally debuting at the fifth attempt and four years after declaring his paid intentions before going on to be one of the busiest Irish fighters on the circuit.

Three wins in three months lead to a BUI Celtic title fight at the SSE Arena and the undercard of a Michael Conlan-topped card.

The Ian Mahood trained super bantamweight hopeful proved an underdog with sharp teeth in that title tilt, giving standout prospect Colm Murphy a fight – but ultimately slipped to a first career defeat.

The reverse hit ‘Ruddy’ hard and he sought solace in drink, which didn’t help. The 22-year-old has since returned to clean living and post a little break is eyeing up a big 2023.

“2022 was really good year for me. I had four good fights and had a real dream come true, fighting in my country’s biggest stadium on a big card,” Farrell told Irish-boxing.com.

“However, I was falling into a dark place after my first pro defeat. I was drinking heavily but now am off the drink and in a better place. I still needed my medical renewed, so I took the rest of the year off and I feel ready to have a good 2023.”

What does that big year entail? At the very least a title win.

“I want 4 fights planning on having a busy year and picking up titles.”

Farrell has been linked to Liam Gaynor, who also lost to ‘Posh Boy’ Murphy in BUI Celtic title action, but he thinks a fight at super bantamweight with Dublin’s Cian Doyle works better. Win that and he’d like another shot at his MHD stablemate, Murphy.

“I’m not a person to call people out but me versus Cian Doyle for the super bantamweight Celtic title is a good fight. Me and Colm Murphy on a summer show on top of bill is another big fight. However, the money has to be right for that fight because we deserve it after our last fight.”