Heffron on target for title attempt

RONNIE HEFFRON: on the verge of earning a crack at the Central Area title.

Boxing:

TRAINER Anthony Farnell has told Ronnie Heffron he could be one victory away from a Central Area title fight.

‘Razor Ronnie’ (21) is preparing for his next bout at Bowlers, near the Trafford Centre, on February 3, and started sparring at the weekend.

Should he come through the contest unscathed, Heffron is likely to get his first shot at a professional crown — something which was meant to happen last year, only for Chris Johnson to pull out with a bad back.

The unbeaten 21-year-old welterweight has yet to discover who his rival will be next month.

Farnell said: “Frank Warren (promoter) had a difficult time matching Ronnie with an opponent for this next fight, but all the signs are that if he wins he can go for the title.

“This is why it is so important we do everything we can in the next couple of weeks to make sure he is totally prepared.

“I am delighted to say there are several coaches making the trip from Oldham to the venue — his following is phenomenal. Wherever he fights it feels like a hometown bout.

“Hopefully they can cheer him on to a win which will put him on the verge of a title fight.”

Farnell admitted the disappointment surrounding Johnson’s withdrawal in November has given his young charge extra motivation.

He added: “We were all gutted when the news came through, but there was nothing we could do.

“Credit to Ronnie. He got his head down and kept working hard. He is more determined than ever to make it happen after coming so close to a shot at the title last time.”