Frank Warren has signed amateur sensation Ronnie Heffron, a man who had been tipped to win gold at the 2012 Olympics.

Instead the Oldham fighter will make his debut on December 5 in Newcastle on the undercard of Amir Khan's WBA light-welterweight title defence against Dimitry Salita.

Heffron, still only 19, is trained by Anthony Farnell in Manchester alongside the likes of Frankie Gavin and Tony Bellew.

An ABA champion at both junior and senior level, Heffron has been compared to fellow Lancastrian Ricky Hatton and is regarded as one of the best prospects in the country - but he insists he will be his own man.

"I'm the new Ronnie Heffron, not the new Ricky Hatton," he joked.

"It's fantastic to sign terms with one of the best promoters in the world and I am looking forward to making my debut on a fantastic bill in Newcastle.

"I thought about staying amateur until the 2012 Olympics, but I kept getting overlooked at my weight and thought it was the right time to leave.

"I've always wanted to be a professional boxer, so when this offer came up it was too good to turn down."

The signing of Heffron was revealed at a press conference by Warren, who introduced his latest star to the media and - said he expects big things.

"Ronnie is a quality fighter and he reflects my policy of signing the very best," said Warren. "British boxing is buzzing right now and there are so many good young fighters coming through.

"Everyone talks about the three guys who I have signed who went to the Olympics, and they deserve all the headlines they get. But there is a lot more talent out there as well, and I'm pleased that so many of them are appearing on my cards."