Heffron in single-point victory

Ronnie Heffron: close-run victory

Boxing: 
OLDHAM’S Ronnie Heffron won the fight of the night at the Aintree Equestrian Centre on Saturday as he secured a thrilling points verdict against previously unbeaten light-middleweight rival John Thain (26).

Heffron (23) was forced to go for 10 energy-sapping rounds - after which the referee awarded the Oldham favourite a 96-95 points win - and Heffron was deducted a point for low punching.

Heffron — whose pro record now reads 15 wins from 16 fights — is now set to move on to a WBO European title shot against current holder Joe Selkirk from Liverpool, but he acknowledged that he will have to perform better next time.

Heffron said: “To be honest I’m a little bit disappointed with my performance, but a win is a win. There’s so much to come from me, though. I know I’m capable of better.”