Heffron notches second victory

BOXING: LONDON is calling for Oldham welterweight Ronnie Heffron (pictured) after he made it two wins out of two in the professional ranks.

Cheered on by 200 home-town supporters, ‘The Razor’ was too sharp for journeyman pro Karl Taylor at the Echo Arena, Liverpool.

The contest was stopped by Taylor’s corner at the end of round two to prevent their man from taking further punishment.

The 19-year-old, who floored his opponent with a body shot in the second round, could return to the ring as part of the undercard to the Kevin Mitchell versus Michael Katsidis WBO lightweight title showdown at Upton Park or the ExCel Arena on May 15.

Trainer Anthony Farnell hailed Heffron’s progress since his debut in the pro ranks before Christmas.

“Ronnie was different class,” said former world champion Farnell. “He was nervous in his first pro fight and it showed, but he was relaxed this time and very much in control.

“He never panicked and did everything that we told him, which made our job in the corner a lot easier.

“Both his hand speed and jab were excellent. It looked as though this was his 30th pro fight, not his second.”

Heffron was always expected to beat Taylor, who had lost 134 of his previous 157 contests.

The 44-year-old, from Birmingham, hardly laid a punch on the teenager, who showcased his burgeoning talent with lightning-fast combinations and an accurate jab.

Heffron can expect a similar test in his next bout as Farnell and manager Frank Warren look to gradually build up his experience.