MARK Heffron knows victory over Denzel Bentley on Saturday night will put him right in the frame for big title fights.

The Oldham favourite is in a battle between two big punchers when he bids to win the IBF European middleweight title live on BT Sport.

The behind-closed-doors clash at the BT Sport studio in Stratford is one that is eagerly-anticipated by fight fans who are expecting fireworks.

Undefeated Bentley has won 11 of his 13 fights by knockout while Heffron has 19 stoppages in his 25 wins, his only defeat coming to world title contender Liam Willilams.

Manager Kevin Maree has plans in place for the 28-year-old to fight at Latics’ Boundary Park home as early as next summer but he needs to keep on winning.  

“I’ve got a big fanbase back home,” said Heffron.  

“I’m looking to get the win over Denzel and take that title back to Oldham and hopefully get a big title fight at Oldham Athletic.

“It could be a bit of a chess match at first but after a few rounds it will get lively.

"I don't think he is the best of boxers, to be honest, and he was all over the place when Mick Hall put it on him. I think the only thing he can do is come forward, basically.

"I don't think he has been hit before, but I have definitely got to be smart in what I do.

"This will get me right back on track, get a good win over Denzel and it should put me forward for big titles.

“I 100 per cent still want the British. Hopefully, after beating Denzel, I will be fighting for the British in December."

Heffron has been working with a new training team in Chorley, led by former British champion and world title challenger Michael Jennings and his brother Dave.

"I've had a few, haven't I," conceded Heffron on his multiple moves.

"Obviously I am happy now 100 per cent and this is me now with Michael. I am buzzing with him and I have learned so much over the last seven or eight weeks. I am just ready now to go and I can't wait.

"For this fight, with Michael, we have got an absolute banging gameplan and everything is working. We've had the perfect sparring for Denzel and I have been putting the plan into action during the sparring."

That preparation has included sharing rounds with the one man to beat him in Williams, with Heffron keen to keep the trash talking away from his fight with Bentley.

"I'm just going to keep myself to myself and do my thing in the ring," Heffron said. 

"I did call him a silly sausage once but I've got no hard feelings towards Denzel and he has not said anything bad about me.

"He seems like a nice lad but, obviously, this is business and he is in my way.”