Title double for Oldham boxers

Thomas Stubbs (left) on his way to ABA victory.

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THE steel city was gleaming with Oldham pride after Thomas Stubbs and Ronnie Heffron were crowned ABA champions at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

On a terrific night for the town, Stubbs (19) defended his 48kg title by overcoming two-time Commonwealth Games silver medalist Darren Langley.

Heffron (18), in his first try in the senior competition following an outstanding junior career, stopped Bradley Skeete in round two of the 64kg final.

For Heffron’s dad, Tommy, ABAs final night 2009 made up for the hurt of 31 years ago.

It was 1978 when Tommy lost to Earl Henderson in the 71kg final, but this was an altogether different outcome as the Heffron name finally got on the ABA honours’ board.

Two straight right hands from Heffron caused swelling around Skeete’s left eye. Another accurate shot forced the referee to deliver the Earlsfield boxer a standing count after which the contest was brought to a close.

Tommy said: “I’m very proud. To win an ABA title is the pinnacle for any amateur boxer in this country.

“Ronnie has now won ABA titles at schoolboy, junior and at senior levels.

“He wasn’t as impressive as in his semi-final, but he was always in command. His opponent was really fancied but he had a count in the first round and was constantly under pressure from Ronnie.

“It was a great night for amateur boxing in Oldham, and also the Boarshaw Boxing Club and Ronnie’s coach Ben Lancaster.”

First up on the night were Langley and Stubbs, who were rated one and two in England at the weight — and the fight went the full distance.

Stubbs trailed 2-1 on the judges’ scorecards after the first round but, after taking heed of his corner’s instructions, turned the narrow deficit into an 8-5 advantage at the end of the second.

The 19-year-old continued to pile up the points against the Hollington boxer and, at the final bell, he had stretched his lead to 13–8.

Stubbs, from the Northside gym, said: “I pulled it round by upping my work-rate and moving faster.

“Darren is a really experienced boxer and is ranked number one in the country, but I knew I was in control after the first round.

“This has meant more to me this year, because I was up against a much harder opponent.”

NORTHSIDE ABC missed out on a double when Blain Younis lost to Iain Weaver (Golden Ring) in the 57kg final.