OLDHAM super middleweight Mark Heffron will defend his IBF Intercontinental belt at Manchester’s AO Arena next month, he has announced.

The 30-year-old, who won the title in London last month by beating Lennox Clarke by way of a fifth-round knockout, will be on the undercard of the main event between heavyweights Joe Joyce and Joseph Parker on September 24.

Heffron, who trains with renowned coach Joe Gallagher at Amir Khan’s gym in Bolton, said on Twitter: “After a fantastic meeting today with Frank Warren, I’m really pleased and excited to say I will be on the massive Manchester show. Sat Sept 24th I’ll be defending my IBF Intercontinental title.”

The Oldham fighter has won 28 of his 31 professional bouts to date, losing just twice.

His last outing at the Copper Box Arena in the capital saw him win a hat-trick of title belts.

As well as the IBF Intercontinental crown, he became British Super Middleweight champion and also Commonwealth king at the same weight.

He said after his hat-trick of titles: “It feels really good to be super middleweight champion, and it’s taken me three attempts at the British title, so it’s made me appreciate it so much more.”

Now back in his native North West, Heffron will hope home support can spur him on to a successful defence against an as yet unnamed opponent.