Ronnie out for world honours

RONNIE HEFFRON — world class

OLDHAM boxer Ronnie Heffron will be aiming to punch his way to glory on a world stage later this month.

The 18-year-old from Horsedge Street is one of only two Great Britain fighters chosen to compete in the world junior championship.

Ronnie and London’s Martin Ward leave tomorrow for Mexico where they will have just over a week to acclimatise before the action gets under way.

And after recently spending a week sparring in Ireland, Ronnie is in great shape for the biggest event of his career.

“Most of the top Cuban, Russian and American boxers will be competing so it will be a big test for Ronnie, but one which he is looking forward to,” explained father Tommy, who was also a top amateur boxer.

Ronnie, who has funding to be a full-time boxer after being identified as a potential gold medallist for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, will compete in the 64kg class.

A member of the Middleton-based Boarshaw club, Ronnie has had another successful year, one which saw him successfully defend his junior ABA title and also represent England in a number of internationals.

But 2009 promises to be another eventful year as Ronnie will step up in class to compete in the senior ABAs for the first time.

Former world champion Anthony Farnell, now a boxing trainer, has tipped Ronnie to be a star of the future, describing him as having the potential to emulate Ricky Hatton.

The world junior championships are from October 25 to November 1.