Classy Heffron steps up a gear

RONNIE HEFFRON... sixth straight win.

BOXING:

RONNIE HEFFRON took a step up in class in his usual calm stride and recorded his sixth straight win as a professional.

The 20-year-old Oldham welterweight, comfortably beat former British title challenger Barrie Jones over six rounds on Ricky Burns’ world title undercard at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday night.

Heffron started in his usual aggressive manner, taking the fight to his Welsh opponent and hurting him with body shots from the first bell.

Jones knew then that he was in for a tough night’s work and took to covering up. Heffron continued his assault and Jones’ last resort came in the fourth when he landed a combination on Heffron.

A left hook to the body made Jones wince in the fifth, but he fended off a determined Heffron long enough to hear the final bell.

The youngster was awarded a 60-55 decision by referee Mark Lyson.

Jones is unquestionably the best name on Heffron’s record, with more wins on the board than defeats and he also kept out world-class regarded Sheffield fighter Kell Brook for seven rounds.

Heffron was pleased he excelled against a better standard of opponent.

He said: “It was a good performance because he’s more experienced than me. He was undefeated in his first 15 fights so he’s a good name to have on my record.

“I had 160 fans come over and I could hear them cheering me. It’s a great experience to be on shows like this and it will stand me in good stead for the future.”

Failsworth stablemate Frankie Gavin came through a tough fight with Curtis Woodhouse. Gavin edged a split decision over the former footballer.