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Farewell to brave Farnell

5/ 1/2005

BOXER Anthony Farnell says he is 'devastated' after hanging up his gloves this week following a failed MRI brain scan.

The Woodhouses Warrior - whose career closes with a 33-4 winning record - had not fought since his WBU middleweight title defeat at the hands of Eugenio Montero last June.

That bruising encounter was stopped in the 10th round and doctors later said it was a miracle he could walk into the ring after discovering he had viral meningitis.

But after making a full recovery, Farnell vowed to battle on in 2005 before the scan results put paid to his dream of regaining his title for a third time.

The 26-year-old first won the WBU crown in September 2002 thanks to a split decision verdict after his second crack at South African Ruben Groenewald at the MEN Arena.

He was stopped by Wayne Elcock two fights later but then took on Elcock's conqueror, Lawrence Murphy, in Scotland and emerged victorious again by putting his man down in all three opening rounds.

He said: "I had a brain scan before I fought Murphy. The results this time were exactly the same as then - the brain had widened slightly but it was put down to ageing.

"There was to be a hearing to look at the scan results again but I have decided to call it a day."

"I have a very caring family and I don't want to put them through the mill. There's no regrets though, I have had a great career."

And Farnell also revealed he will stay in the sport - this time as a coach.

He said: "I have bought a gym on Oldham Road and it should be done up and ready to open in the next three to four months.

"I already have Ricky Hatton coming down to open it for me and I am excited by the idea. I was devastated by this news at first but I am now really looking forward to giving something back to my sport."