Ronnie’s raring to go

Ronnie Heffron: back in top form

BOXING:

OLDHAM welterweight ace Ronnie Heffron is hoping to get his career back on track on Friday when he takes on Kieron Gray at the Walsall Town Hall.

It’s been six months since Heffron (22) saw his 11-fight unbeaten professional record brutally ended at the Manchester Arena, when he stepped in at short notice to challenge for Denton Vassell’s Commonwealth title.

Heffron was stopped in the sixth round by the much more experienced Vassell. Soon after the defeat the Oldham prospect split from trainer Anthony Farnell.

Heffron is now back with his former amateur trainer, Ben Lancaster, at the Boarshaw Gym near Middleton and he is looking to put the Vassell defeat well and truly behind him.

Heffron said: “I do regret going in to challenge Vassell. I wasn’t ready for it, I only had two weeks’ notice to get myself into top shape. But I don’t want to dwell too much on it now.

“Being back with Ben has been a really good move. I’ve prepared perfectly for this next fight and I’m confident.”

Heffron added: “It’s really important that I get back to winning ways. I’ve been dying to get back out here and now it’s so close again, I’m focused 100-per-cent.

“I’m still with Frank Warren, too, and I know he’s desperate for me to get back into action.

“I’ve not seen a lot of Gray — only the odd clips on YouTube, but I am confident I’ve got enough to beat him.”

Telford-based Gray is 35 and has lost more than he’s won in his 20-fight career.