Give Ronnie a nickname

TOP British boxers are often recognised for their nicknames almost as much as their exploits in the ring.

David “Hayemaker” Haye was crowned world heavyweight champion at the weekend.

And Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, from just down the road in Hyde, reigned supreme in the world welterweight and light welterweight divisions.

Oldham has its own rising star in the boxing game, but 19-year-old Ronnie Heffron has a problem - he can’t decide what to call himself!

The reigning ABA 64kg champion is currently preparing for his professional debut on the Amir Khan v Dmitry Salita WBA light welterweight card at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on December 5.

The latest member of the ultra-successful Frank Warren stable, 19-year-old Ronnie, who lives in Horsedge Street, will be fighting in a four-round light-welterweight contest against an opponent still to be decided.

But Richard Maynard, head of media for Frank Warren, admitted: “Ronnie’s boots are ready, his shorts are ready and his gloves are ready - what he doesn’t have is a nickname.

“So Ronnie and Frank Warren are reaching out to the people of Oldham to come up with a nickname for one of the brightest prospects in boxing.”

With a glittering amateur career behind him, there is every chance that Heffron will be a huge hit as a professional and become a household name in Britain.

Make Ronnie’s day by emailing your suggestion(s) to:

sport@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , or sending a postcard, with your name and address, to: Ronnie Heffron Nickname, Sports Desk, Oldham Evening Chronicle, 172, Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1EQ.