Heffron, Wright, powering Oldham boxing firmly into the limelight

With both Mark Heffron and Danny Wright set to feature on the undercard of the huge Josh Warrington vs Carl Frampton show at the Manchester Arena on Saturday, December 22, it's sure to be a proud night for the Oldham boxing scene.

Of course the epic England-Ireland clash between Warrington and Frampton for the IBF World featherweight title will rightly enjoy the bulk of the focus during the BT Sport Box Office televised event, but for Heffron and Wright, December 22 presents a brilliant chance to gain some much-needed exposure.

Out of the two local fighters, it's fair to say dyed-in-the-wool Oldhamer Heffron (27) is set to enjoy slightly more focus on the night.

His feverishly-anticipated British middleweight title fight against Liam Williams - previous conqueror of his brother Ronnie - is the chief support bout, and why shouldn't it be?

Heffron is unbeaten in 21 professional fights so far, while Williams has lost twice to just one opponent - former WBO World super welterweight king Liam Smith.

While Heffron is gearing up for what he hopes will be a barnstorming end to 2018, he is also super proud that Oldham will have two high-profile representatives on such a cracking bill.

He said: "Danny is a really good fighter as well, and it's great that me and him are putting Oldham on the map at the Arena show.

"I grew up with him really, because we were at Boarshaw ABC together as little kids. I remember those days well.

"Although I was a bit older, we did go through the amateurs together, there were some good times."

Although also unbeaten in the paid ranks, 22-year-old Wright isn't quite as far down the road as Heffron in terms of career progression.

The Failsworth ace has won all 10 of his fights so far, and earlier this week described his appearance on the Arena undercard as a 'dream come true'.

Hotly-tipped to be a high profile champion of the future, Wright will face an as-yet unnamed super lightweight opponent on December 22, but just like his good mate Heffron, he also has plenty of respect for his ex-stablemate and is looking to do Oldham proud.

Asked for his thoughts on Heffron and his considerable merits, Wright said: “Mark’s doing really well, but he’s got a tough fight.

“He has sorted his career out over the past couple of years, though, and you can’t knock him for that.

“He seems settled with the Rimmers at the Phoenix Camp – they’ve got a great team down there.

“Mark will be full of confidence going into this fight, I guess no matter who they would have put him in with.

“It’s brilliant that there’s two Oldham fighters on such a huge show.

"It’s a big opportunity for both of us.

“Mark is definitely at that British level now I’d say – that’s hopefully where I’ll be in the next couple of years."

More details on how to book tickets for the BT Sport Box Office show at the Arena can be found by logging on to: www.frankwarren.com

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.