Heffron prepares at a steady Pace

BOXING:

Welterweight warms up for Johnson with Liverpool points triumph
RONNIE Heffron warmed up for his Central Area title fight against Chris Johnson with a points victory over Welsh teenager Tony Pace at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

The 20-year-old welterweight ran out a comfortable 60-54 winner despite a spirited display from the man two years his junior.

Emerging from the bout injury-free Heffron, who trains at Anthony Farnell's Failsworth gym, turns his focus to Bolton-based southpaw Johnson, whom he faces at Bowlers near the Trafford Centre on October 28.

Farnell said: "The outcome never looked in any doubt, although it must be pointed out that Pace came for a real scrap and the kid did well.

"But he didn't do enough to genuinely trouble Ronnie and it was a comfortable six rounds, which is what we were hoping for with the Johnson fight just a couple of weeks away.

"To be honest I had to hold back Ronnie on a couple of occasions because he wants to destroy everyone in his path and sometimes you have to just step back a bit from that approach, especially with such an important occasion around the corner.

"But he got the job done and that is the most important thing."

Farnell was taken aback by the level of support his young charge enjoyed.

He added: "We think around 150 people made the journey from Oldham to show their support for Ronnie, and it is never taken for granted.

"I personally love the arena in Liverpool, it is perfect for boxing and generates a superb atmosphere for the fighters."

Farnell is now looking forward to the final preparations for the title fight — and reserved special praise for Heffron's lifestyle.

"As I have said before Ronnie makes my life easier in many respects.

“He is teetotal, he doesn't go out until the early hours and come back in a bad state — he loves boxing and is committed to the cause," he added.

"I look forward to seeing him back in the gym on Wednesday to keep him loosened up and keep the weight down, and as the fight gets a bit closer he can wind down and chill out.

"We are extremely happy with preparations and Ronnie cannot wait to try and do Oldham proud at the end of the month."