Despite facing an opponent change in his first shot at a major title, Sheffield’s Tommy Frank says he will rise to the challenge and claim the Commonwealth Super Flyweight belt on March 15 at the Ponds Forge Arena.
Unbeaten Frank, 9-0 (1), was originally slated to face Scotland’s Ross Murray, 9-2 (1), but will now take on vastly more experienced Belfast man, Luke Wilton – with the clash being broadcast live on Freesports (Freeview 64; Sky 422; Virgin 553; Freesat 252; TalkTalk 64; BT 64).
On paper, Wilton represents Tommy’s toughest test to date. The Northern Irish fighter has lost just five times in 26 outings, and been stopped only once – by former world champion, Lee Haskins. The 30-year-old has also previously fought for the British Flyweight crown, losing on points to highly-rated Scouser Kevin Satchell, and traded blows with current world flyweight champ Charlie Edwards, losing over the 10-round distance in 2016.
Promoter and manager, Dennis Hobson, believes Tommy has the potential to make waves on the world scene in the future, but has warned that Wilton is a genuine test who could derail those ambitions. Frank acknowledges the danger but insists he will put on a performance that will have the boxing public ‘sitting up and taking notice’.
“I definitely think he’s a tougher opponent than Ross Murray,” said the 25-year-old. “He’s a good fighter and I’ve got a lot of respect for him. The better the opponent in front of me though, the better I’ll be. Luke will come to Sheffield and give it a real go because this might be his last push at really doing something in boxing. So, he’s going to really want this title, but that will be perfect for me.
“I haven’t seen a lot of him, I’m just concentrating on being the best Tommy Frank on the night. I never make predictions, my only prediction is to win the fight but because he’s going to come and give his all, it will be ideal for me to let my hands go a bit more. With those 8oz gloves on, when I hit him, I’ll hurt him, one hundred per cent. We’ll see how the fight goes, I’ll be prepared for 12 rounds but if I catch him, I will hurt him.
“Luke is a well-known fighter, he’s boxed at a top level and apart from a couple of early career defeats, he’s only been beaten by good kids. So, it would be a great name to have on my record, and it will make people sit up and see what I’m all about. He’ll come and give it a real go, but will be going home disappointed.”
Dennis Hobson Promotions, in association with JJ Crump, present an evening of boxing at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Arena on March 15. Topping the bill will be Sheffield’s Tommy Frank and Belfast’s Luke Wilton contesting the vacant Commonwealth Super Flyweight Title.
For ticket information, call 0114 243 444.
The show will be televised live on Freesports (Freeview 64; Sky 422; Virgin 553; Freesat 252; TalkTalk 64; BT 64).
