Mayall’s John Wayne shoot-out now in doubt

Ashley Mayall

Boxing: OLDHAM light-welterweight prospect Ashley Mayall is scheduled to head to the capital tomorrow for his eighth professional contest, though a bout of sickness in the lead-up to the fight could scupper his plans.

Mayall (22) has prepared to face a more experienced opponent in Essex’s John Wayne Hibbert (29) at the ExCel Arena in London’s Docklands, a man who boasts an impressive 11 wins from 13 fights.

It would to be a tough ask for the battler from St Mary’s if in fact he does shake off a stomach virus, though Mayall deservedly defeated Chris Evangelou last time out a fortnight ago on points, another rival who had just two professional defeats on his record.

If Mayall is successful on the show headlined by Kevin Mitchell’s IBF title scrap against Brunet Zamora, his record will read five wins from eight.

Meanwhile, fellow Oldhamer Mark Heffron has begun his preparations for a five-week long trip to California starting on January 14, after his scheduled appearance on a bill in La Farga, Barcelona, this weekend, was cancelled.

A suitable opponent could not be found for middleweight Heffron (22), who has won all eight of his bouts in the paid ranks so far.

Heffron has been in terrific form since recently returning from 18 months out of ring action with an injured hand.

He stopped Julio Acosta in the second round in La Farga on October 18, before Achilles Szabo was downed after just 30 seconds at the Bowlers Leisure Centre in Trafford Park three weeks ago.