Heffron: Turning pro was the right move

AT THE READY: Ronnie Heffron is preparing for a busy spell with two fights before the end of the month.

RONNIE Heffron is delighted with his choice of turning professional two years ago — even though he was being tipped for success at London 2012.

The 21-year-old welterweight, from Oldham, saw former amateur team-mates Luke Campbell, Andrew Selby and Anthony Joshua all win silver in Baku, Azerbaijan, at the World Amateur Championships.

He signed a professional contract with Frank Warren when he was just 19 and hasn’t looked back since with a busy month ahead including a Central Area title shot.

“I was really happy to see the lads win silver and bring in a record medal haul in the tournament,” he said.

“They all did fantastic in Baku and the country should be proud of what they achieved there.

“It looks very good for next year in London and I’m sure they will win gold.

“For me, though, it has definitely been the right choice to turn professional, I’m unbeaten and have been rewarded with a title shot against Chris Johnson at the end of the month.”

Before his Central Area Welterweight title shot against Johnson at Manchester’s Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester, Heffron fights in a six-rounder on the Nathan Cleverly-Tony Bellew undercard at the Liverpool Echo Arena this Saturday.

The former ABA champion says training has been first class and he’s looking forward to two fights in quick succession.

Unbeaten Heffron added: “Preparations have been going well ahead of both of these bouts and I’ve been training hard with Anthony Farnell.

“I’ve had some great sparring with Brian Rose, Dean Byrne and a couple of other unbeaten lads.

“October 15 is going to be a six-rounder, but I’m more prepared for the longer distances with the title fight at the end of the month being 10 rounds. I’ve also done plenty of 12 round sparring sessions as well.

“After Saturday I’m going to be straight back in the gym on Monday to get ready to step back in the ring and win the title.

“Having the two fights so close together I think is a good move as I won’t pick up any ring rust. I’ll be fresh and raring to go.”