Quickfire Heffron off mark in style

FLEDGLING boxing professional Ronnie Heffron hit the ground running in Newcastle — and is already looking forward to 2010.

The Oldham welterweight’s first taste of the paid ranks ended after two rounds when opponent Chris Brophy was retired by his corner.

Heffron (19), a member of the Frank Warren stable, was always in command of the contest which formed part of a show packed with exciting young talent at the Metro Radio Arena.

He said: “It was good to be out there and I enjoyed the experience.

“Although I was caught early on, I always felt in control and at one stage I thought the referee was going to stop the fight.

“This is a starting point and I can take quite a lot of confidence from this.

“I can’t wait for February and Liverpool when I box again.”

Brophy, from Swansea, was never expected to trouble Heffron — he had lost 38 of his previous 43 contests — and so it transpired as the former senior and junior ABA champion opened his pro career with a comfortable win inside the distance.

Heffron, who is trained by WBU middleweight belt holder Anthony Farnell, had to concede nine pounds to his rival — 10st 7lb to 11st 2lb.

But he showcased his array of skills to good effect in his six minutes in the spotlight.