Following Ross Murray withdrawal, Tommy Frank new opponent is named
Sheffield’s Tommy Frank will face a new opponent in his shot at the vacant Commonwealth Super Flyweight Title on March 15, after the withdrawal of Ross Murray.
Undefeated Frank, 9-0 (1), will now battle Luke Wilton at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Arena, with the contest being broadcast live on Freesports (Freeview 95, Freesat 252, Sky 422, BT 95, Talk Talk 95, Virgin 553).
Experienced Wilton represents a step up for Tommy. The Belfast-based fighter has only been beaten five times in 26 outings, and has been the distance with former British Flyweight king Kevin Satchell, as well as current WBC World Flyweight champion, Charlie Edwards.
Promoter and manager Dennis Hobson is expecting an acid test for his charge, but believes Frank has the ability to eventually move onto world honours.
“We'd agreed the fight with Ross Murray, and I don’t know if they thought Tommy was a step too far, but they've come back and said they want to now campaign at light-flyweight,” explained Hobson. “I just wonder if they thought they'd bitten off more than they can chew though. It's not very professional but good luck to Ross and I hope he does well.
“Luke Wilton has now been confirmed by the Commonwealth Board. This is a tougher assignment than the original opponent, but when you fight for a meaningful title you have to be willing to fight whoever is put in front of you, which Tommy is willing to do. Luke is a lot more experienced, so we'll find out what Tommy is all about against this credible opponent.
“This is also a big opportunity for Luke, so credit to him for stepping up to the plate. I'm confident in Tommy though. As a promoter I just want to put good fights on, which this will be. Glyn [Rhodes – Tommy’s trainer] wants to test Tommy, we believe in him and I believe he has enough in his tank to win and then consolidate at this level. But this is a big step for him.”
“I'm over the moon that Dennis and Steve Crump have worked so hard to get me this title shot, I'm very grateful,” said Frank. “It's a brilliant title, and a stepping stone to bigger things. If you look at the calibre of fighters that have won the Commonwealth, it's a massive title. It will open up a lot of doors for me and get me noticed, but first I have to come through against Luke Wilton.”
Dennis Hobson Promotions, in association with J&J Crump & Son, 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 4443.
The show will be televised live on Freesports (Freeview 95, Freesat 252, Sky 422, BT 95, Talk Talk 95, Virgin 553).