Heffron aims to be the best

BOXING:

YOUNG welterweight Ronnie Heffron says he’ll put Oldham on the map for boxing — and become the town’s biggest star.

The 19-year-old has his second professional fight tonight in Liverpool at the Echo Arena against the experienced Karl Taylor.

It follows an impressive two-round demolition of Chris Brophy on debut at the end of last year.

And while it may be early days yet, Heffron is looking to become a major player in British boxing after winning the ABA title as an amateur.

“Footballers David Platt and Paul Scholes are from Oldham, but when it comes to boxers there haven’t been many,” said Heffron.

“I want a British title minimum within the next three years.

“I’m only young and I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’ll be ready after 15 fights.”

Heffron feels he has come on a bundle since first dipping his toe into the pro ranks.

After outclassing Brophy in Newcastle — the Swansea journeyman was retired by his corner at the end of the second round — the teenager is looking to step up again over four, three-minute rounds.

Heffron said: “Things have been going great in the gym with my trainer Anthony Farnell, and I’ve been learning so much from the likes of Tony Bellew and Frankie Gavin.

“There’s a can-do attitude in the gym, and every day you are being pushed and pushed.

“Next up I’ve got a guy who has had more than 150 professional fights so I can’t afford to make any mistakes, but I’m sure I’ll learn a few things.”

Taylor, at 44, is one of the oldest boxers on the pro circuit. The Birmingham man has fought on 157 previous occasions, with 134 ending in defeat, 33 by knockout. He has won 16 and drawn seven.

Meanwhile, ‘The Pride of Merseyside’ show is headlined by Paul Smith’s first defence of his British Super-Middleweight title against former belt holder Tony Dodson.

Chief support is Kell Brook’s challenge for the WBO intercontinental crown and eliminator for the WBO world welterweight title against Krzystof Bienias, and Tony Bellew’s challenge for the vacant commonwealth light-heavyweight championship against Atoli Moore.

Tickets for the evening are priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £200 and are available from the Echo Arena on 0844 8000 400.



JACK Ellender, representing the Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre, will aim to cap an extraordinary campaign in the ABA National Extra Championship on Sunday.

The local boxer (12), takes on James Lee (Faversham) in the final at the William Beaumont Sports College in Warrington.