Mark Heffron believes he’s on the verge of being back in major title contention. 

The big-punching middleweight tasted defeat for the first time when he came up short in a British title bid against Welshman Liam Williams last December. 

The 27-year-old rebounded with professional win number 22 on home soil in March with a points win against Serge Ambono at the Oldham Leisure Centre and now has his next fight set. 

‘Kid Dynamite’ has landed a spot on the undercard of Josh Warrington’s IBF World featherweight title defence against Kid Galahad at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on June 15. 

Heffron sees that as the final hurdle before landing a chance to win more gold, having previously held the WBC’s International title. 

“Things are going good at the minute,” said the former Northside ABC man. “I’m looking forward to getting out in June and then hopefully moving on to titles after that. 

“I had the warm-up fight back in Oldham and after this one I think I’m definitely more than ready for whatever’s available. 

“I’m looking at the British or any title I get my hands on really. The Commonwealth is an option too, any of them. 

“There are loads of good fights at middleweight domestically.

“But I’m looking at titles rather than names, whoever’s got them I want them.”

For many the Williams defeat would have been a major setback. 

Heffron was originally due to face then-champion Jason Welborn for the Lord Lonsdale belt, only for the Birmingham man to vacate the title to pursue an ultimately unsuccessful challenge against world super welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s dramatic draw with Deontay Wilder. 

Former world title challenger Williams surprised many by stepping in and proved too much for the Oldham man, stopping Heffron in the 10th of 12 scheduled rounds at the Manchester Arena just three days before Christmas. 

The Oldham Times: Heffron, left, in action against Liam WilliamsHeffron, left, in action against Liam Williams

Heffron had halted his previous four opponents before that but rather than get derailed by a defeat against  a high-quality opponent, the Robert Rimmer-trained fighter believes it is simply a bump in the road. 

“It’s not really affected me in any way really,” he said. 

“It was just a little setback. I just wanted to get straight back in and get straight back on it. 

“I was out again after that fight as soon as I could be and now I’m nearly back at the British title level again.

“Liam Williams has got a big fight coming up I think and has proven how good he is. 

“I was supposed to be fighting Jason Welborn and then he pulled out. 

“Liam Williams is a totally different level of fighter to him. 

“I was never going to pull out though. I’m not in this game to pull out of fights. 

“I’m here to get to the top and get to the top you’ve got to fight the best.”

The Williams loss was on another Warrington bill, the Leeds fighter getting the better of Carl Frampton that night. 

Heffron was also on the Elland Road show that saw the home favourite dethrone Lee Selby to win his world title almost 12 months ago so is no stranger to the atmosphere that comes with one of his fight nights. 

“His fans are crazy and this time I’ll bringing a few hundred over,” he said. 

“I always do a good few tickets and have a really good following. 

“They’re really important. I just can’t wait to get back in there.”

For tickets, priced £40, £70 and £150, contact Heffron on Facebook.