Heff on the cusp
ROSSENDALE boxer Mark Heffron is ready to show everyone how much he has improved over the last few months when he makes his long-awaited return to the ring this weekend.
Heffron is set to take
on Daniel Urbanski in front of a lively crowd as part of a packed bill at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, on the undercard of Josh Warrington’s IBF featherweight title defence against Kid Galahad.
Hard-hitting middleweight star Heffron looks destined for big things later this year provided he comes through Saturday’s contest, and he’s looking forward to returning to action.
“Fight week is finally here and I’m excited to get back in that ring this weekend.
“I’ve been having some good rounds of sparring with the likes of Steve Collins Jr and many others ahead of my fight,” he said.
“I had my final round on the pads on Tuesday morning with my coach Robert Rimmer at the Phoenix Camp and I’m feeling good, so I can’t wait for Saturday now.
“Everyone has been bouncing off each other in the gym.
“If you work hard and stay disciplined and be patient then your time will come.
“Thanks to everyone who has bought tickets to come down and show their support. Some tickets are still available from me and all of the backing I get is massively appreciated.”
Heffron is due to fight for the European title at some point in 2019 after being put forward by the EBU.
He was originally due to take on unbeaten Elliott Matthews for the vacant belt, but the English champion has pulled out.
It means Heffron is still waiting to hear who could potentially be in line as his opponent, and his manager Kevin Maree says the prospect of his European title fight makes this weekend’s outing even more important.
“Mark getting put forward for the European title makes his fight in Leeds more exciting.
“I’m sure he’ll now go out and be a bit more adventurous before we then look towards big things.
“We wanted this fight on the Josh Warrington vs. Kid Galahad undercard so that Mark can stay busy. He had a good fight in March where he needed the rounds under his belt, and it was good to tick that box as usually Mark knocks most opponents out.
“We’ll get this fight out of the way this weekend and then we’re just waiting for a new opponent to be chosen for the European title fight.”
This weekend’s Warrington vs. Galahad bill in Leeds featuring Heffron is live on BT Sport, and also sees Zelfa Barrett take on Lyon Woodstock for the vacant Commonwealth super-featherweight title, and Jason Welborn face JJ Metcalf for the vacant Commonwealth superwelterweight title.