Ronnie rocks packed sports centre

Photo: PICTURE: TIM BRADLEY

FIGHT NIGHT: Victorious Ronnie Heffron lands a shot on Simone Lucas.

RONNIE Heffron rocked a packed Oldham Sports Centre on Saturday as he outpointed gutsy Simone Lucas.

But the fighter was critical of himself afterwards.

Heffron (23) stretched his professional record to 14 wins from 15 fights after he gained a 58 points to 57 verdict against Burundi-born, Nottingham-based Lucas in a cracking six-round light-middleweight bout

Even though Heffron was docked a point for firing in a low blow, the final score was surprisingly close given the way he pummelled Lucas at times.

Overall the former ABA champion felt he is capable of much more.

The Boarshaw Gym star said: “I couldn’t get myself going to be honest, and I felt a bit flat.

“I wasn’t feeling too good in the lead-up to the fight, then Lucas was a tough opponent. He was confident after he won last week.

“I suppose I have to be happy to win against a durable opponent like that, but there’s stuff to work on.

“I would like to thank the support. They were terrific and the noise they were making helped me through. A win’s a win and that’s what it’s all about.”

Heffron, whose only defeat as a pro was against Denton Vassell in a Commonwealth title challenge 11 months ago, is hoping to be back in action before Christmas.