Heffron hails his fanatical following

Photo: Picture: Al stevenson

TAKE THAT: Ronnie Heffron on the front foot against Ionut Trandafir Ilie at the Bowlers Arena, Manchester.

Boxing:

RONNIE Heffron and his Failsworth-based trainer Anthony Farnell have thanked the 21-year-old welterweight’s fanatical following for their support in his victory over Ionut Trandafir Ilie.

Oldham’s ‘Razor Ronnie’ stopped his Romanian opponent in the fifth round courtesy of a stinging body shot at the Bowlers Arena, where he was treated to a hero’s welcome.

After racking up the ninth successive win of his short professional career, Heffron is closing in on his first title fight and insists the fans have played their part.

He said: “The support I receive gets bigger and better at every fight and I feel lucky to have them on my side. I want to say a big thank you.

“They spur me on when I am in the ring, it gives me that extra lift which is a big advantage.”

Farnell has been bowled over by the bus-loads of people who follow their hero around the country.

He added: “We cannot thank them enough because even if the venue is not on the doorstep, they turn out in their droves.

“There have been situations where you would expect Ronnie’s opponent to get more vocal backing from the crowd, but his fans from Oldham and across the North-West make it feel like a hometown bout.

“Ronnie has told me many times that it puts an extra spring in his step, so long may it continue.

“I hope they know how grateful we both are. “This is just the start of Ronnie’s journey in professional boxing so I would like to think he can continue to repay their support by putting in more sparkling displays and steadily climbing the ladder.

“The supporters realise Ronnie is the real deal. His dedication is second to none and he has not given me a day of trouble.”

Promoter Frank Warren is likely to hold talks about a potential English or Intercontinental title fight involving Heffron some time in the next couple of months.