Tommy Frank says he would be willing to mix it with International Boxing Organisation (IBO) World Flyweight Champion, Maximino Flores immediately if the opportunity presents itself.
The Sheffield fighter has two belts at Super Flyweight – the Commonwealth and World Boxing Council (WBC) International Silver Titles – but moved down in weight for his most recent fight, on November 29 against Mexico’s Martin Tecuapetla, 15-12-4 (10). The pair battled it out for the IBO Inter-Continental Flyweight crown, with Tommy getting a deserved unanimous 10-round points victory.
Flores, 25-4-2 (17), also Mexican, won the world title in August, and has previously drawn with Tecuapetla, and been beaten by Welshman Andrew Selby. Unbeaten at 13-0 (3), Frank insists he will let his management team of Dennis Hobson, Steve Crump and Glyn Rhodes guide him but – if they believe Flores is the next best step – then he would be willing to step up.
“Overall, it was a good solid performance,” said Frank, about his win over Tecuapetla. “He was a tough Mexican who came forward, was a bit dangerous with his head, and tried to rough me up a bit. I just stuck to my boxing though. I’m always self-critical and think I could have turned the screw a little bit and let my hands go a bit more towards the end. But, as I always say, I’m not the finished article and learn from every fight. There were definitely more positives than negatives though, especially when you consider he’s fought for a world title, and world level opposition.
“I would 100 per cent fight Flores now. Early next year in my next fight, if Dennis and Steve can pull it off then I would definitely take that fight. I’ve got this IBO Title now and that’s pushed me up the rankings but, if it was down to me, then just chuck me in there now. I would take that fight all day long.
“What a year 2019 has been for me! I’ve won three titles, and outside the ring me and my fiancé have moved into our own first home, so it’s all been non-stop, but all good stuff. I’m going to put my feet up over the Christmas period now, and reflect on what a year it’s been, and look forward to 2020.”
