High hopes for Heffron

Mark Heffron: back in business

BOXING: 

OLDHAM super-middleweight Mark Heffron will be back in the ring in the UK next month, seemingly rejuvenated following last weekend’s devastating first-round knockout win.

Heffron (23) returned to professional boxing after 18 months out, and scored a blistering victory against Hungarian Janos Olah in Benalmadena, Spain, on Saturday.

That extended Heffron’s record to 10 pro wins out of 10, eight of them inside the distance, and lifted the former amateur star to sixth in the British rankings, 32nd in the world.

Now it’s time for Heffron to truly knuckle down, says his manager Gary Hyde.

“I first saw Mark’s potential when he was just 17. He’s back now, and with the right people around him, he can go all the way to the top. Two years of solid hard work is what he needs to put in now.

“Mark has got everything, but it’s about keeping focused on his career now and working on that sharpness. He knows there’s only 31 men between him and the top prize in boxing. He’s got to give it a go. I know he can do it, or I wouldn’t have given him another chance.”

Heffron appears determined, back in training following a summer court appearance for assault.

“I’m definitely back on it,” said Heffron. “I need a few more fights in the UK before the end of the year so I can work my way right up the rankings and start thinking about titles.”

twitter: @Smedders1966