Heffron gearing up for an exciting 2014

Mark Heffron

IT promises to be an exciting 2014 for Oldham’s confident middleweight prospect Mark Heffron.

A broken hand sustained at the start of last year curtailed 21-year-old Heffron’s undoubted progress in the professional ranks, but now he’s right back in business after beating home favourite Julio Acosta in La Farga, Spain, three weeks ago – a first fight in 19 months which stretched his unbeaten record to seven from seven outings.

PLANS

Now it appears that his manager – Irishman Gary Hyde – has big plans for Heffron and a number of different doors appear to be opening again.

On the immediate front Heffron – a former Junior ABA champion and European Youth Championship silver-medallist – will take on tough-as-teak Mexican Alvaro Gaona on Friday, November 22 at the Bowlers Leisure Centre in Trafford Park, but providing he negotiates that stern test, next year promises much.

Heffron, who still trains at the Northside gym under Joe Pennington’s tutelage, said: “I’m back now and I’ve just got to take things step by step again.

“But my manager has got big plans for me and hopefully next year there’s going to be plenty going on. He’s signed a three-fight deal for me with massive American promoters King Sport, so all being well I’ll be over there in January or February.

“I need to make up for this lost time now, and thankfully it’s looking like I’ll get the chances to do that as long as I keep focused.”

Heffron’s clash against Gaona will be far from a formality on Friday week.

The 28-year-old Mexican boasts a record of 12 wins from 15 pro fights and he has fought for a WBC ‘silver’ title, though this is his first trip to Europe.

“Gaona will be tough, definitely,” said Heffron, brother of Ronnie, who fights for the vacant WBO European light- middleweight crown in Liverpool next month.

“He’s notched up some good wins so far and from what I’ve seen of him, he likes to come forward.

“I’ve been doing some great sparring with Luke Blackledge though, so I feel good and I wouldn’t have taken the fight on if I felt otherwise.”

Heffron revealed that he already has his eye on de-railing Adam Etches’ progress before too long.

The up-and-coming Sheffield ace – nicknamed ‘the Bomber’ – is currently unbeaten in 13 bouts and will shortly fight for the IBF interim title, but Heffron has him in his sights for next year.