Craig completes revenge mission

RONNIE Heffron (left) with trainer Anthony Farnell.

BOXING: CRAIG Watson clinched the vacant British welterweight crown courtesy of a points victory over John O’Donnell at Wembley Arena.

The victory represented sweet revenge for the Northside star, two years after O’Donnell beat him on a contentious split decision.

The 28-year-old earned a 116-113, 116-112 and 117-112 clean sweep.

Oldham-born Watson has now won 20 professional bouts, losing three along the way.

He inflicted O’Donnell’s second career defeat.


RONNIE Heffron made it five professional wins in a row despite a slightly below-par performance against Kevin McCauley at Bethnall Green's York Hall venue.
The 20-year-old, one of the brightest talents to emerge from Anthony Farnell's stable, won the bout on points, taking three rounds and drawing the other.

Farnell was happy to see his young charge get the better of a seasoned opponent who is 11 years his senior, but felt Heffron tried too hard on his live television debut.

"Ronnie did well, but it was not as convincing as his last four wins," said Farnell.

"I still felt he won all four rounds, but the third was adjudged to be even.

"To be honest I think the fact it was Ronnie's first time in front of the cameras did not help his approach, because he was desperate to get the knockout.

"Not even Mike Tyson knocked out every man he faced in the ring. You can't always chase it, you have to be calm and patient.

"Ronnie has an awful lot of skill at his disposal and he has to remember that next time. It is not all about brawn.

"But having said all that, we have to remember he is only 20-years-old and it is a long journey."

Farnell believes the fact the bout went the distance and did not result in a knockout, was a blessing in disguise for his man.

He added: "I can tell you, when I was fighting and knocked people out in the first round, I didn't learn anything at all from it.

"Ronnie will learn more from this fight than he did from the previous four, because he has discovered things about himself and can work on those things.

"If he had come out and done what he has been doing in the gym, the bout would have been over in no time.

"But Ronnie will be stronger for the experience and looks forward to his next fight."



TOMMY Stubbs claimed a bronze medal for Great Britain at the Strandja Cup in Bulgaria.
The Northside boxer’s semi-final clash with Cuban Robeisy Ramirez was one of the bouts of the tournament.

The scores were level at 2-2 with 20 seconds of a thrilling contest remaining, but Ramirez snatched a winning point before the final bell.

However, Stubbs (20) received a standing ovation from the crowd for his endeavours.

Great Britain returned home with two gold medals, one silver and four bronze.