Tommy Frank vs Jay Harris fight details
Sheffield vs Swansea
BBN have provided viewers with all the details needed to tune in to watch flyweights Tommy Frank (15-2-1) and Jay Harris (19-3) clash in the headling fight of Dennis Hobson's Fight Academy event on the first weekend of May.
All the details below:
Fight Details
Date: Friday, May 5, 2023.
Venue: Magna Centre, Rotherham.
Time: Show starts from 6pm.
Rounds scheduled: 12 three-minute rounds at flyweight (112lbs).
Titles: Frank's British flyweight title.
Ringwalks: Ringwalks can be expected around 10pm.
Tickets: Tickets for this event on sale at Sheffield Boxing Centre.
Undercard Highlights: Keanen Wainwright faces former Czech champion Michal Dufek over eight rounds at super-lightweight.
Related Articles: Everything you need to know about Frank vs Harris HERE.
TV / Live Stream
Coverage live and free on Fightzone TV from 6pm and you can also watch via BBC iPlayer and on the BBC Sport app and website from 8:15pm.
BBN will be covering the show from ringside with round by round reports HERE.
Background
The Pride of Sheffield, Tommy, claimed the British crown in 2019 with a dominant points victory over Brummie Matt Windle in an all-action 12-rounder. Since then, the 29-year-old has also successfully defended the belt against Craig Derbyshire, edging out his fellow Yorkshireman on a split-decision draw in April last year.
With just two losses from 18 outings, 'Super' Tommy has been clamouring for a big fight … and he gets one against Harris. The Swansea man comes into the bout with greater experience and having been in with better opposition. The pinnacle of the Welsh fighter's career – to date – was a tilt at world honours in 2020 when he put up a brave but losing show against hard-hitting Mexican Julio Cesar Martinez in America for the WBC Flyweight Title.
Harris has suffered a couple of stoppage defeats since that American adventure – albeit in good company and with one contest down at light flyweight – but has momentum behind him after a morale-boosting KO win in June last year. At 32, this looks like a last-chance-saloon scenario for Jay but with 10 KOs from 19 wins, and just three losses, he heads into this Battle of Britain as a slight favourite.
Quotes
Tommy Frank: “I probably am the underdog and I don’t have a problem with that – it will bring the best out of me. Fighting this calibre of opposition will raise my game and it excites me that it’s going to be a hard fight. He’s been in with better quality opposition, and is a former European Champion, so it’s natural for him to be the favourite.
“The winner of this one will be in the mix for some big, exciting fights. He wants my British Title but I want to keep it and hopefully move onto the European scene, and beyond. I have a lot of respect for Jay. He’s very capable, strong and has a similar style to me. We can both box on the back foot but prefer going forward and that’s going to make for a brilliant fight. Our styles will gel really well and the fans, and Fightzone viewers, are in for a real treat.”
Jay Harris: “Tommy’s a good fighter, very correct and he’s got a nice right hand. I watched him against Derbyshire – he’s good but I just think I’m better, and I have to prove my level.
“I have been in with better opposition and I’ll give it everything because this is the missing piece for me in my career.
“It’s absolutely a must-win fight for me. The British Title means a lot to me, I haven’t fought for it before and it would be so special because years ago my dad won it as well [Peter Harris beat Kevin Taylor to win the British Featherweight Title in 1988] – so it would be nice to do the same as him. I’m 32 now though so this has to happen, I have to win.
“This fight with Tommy has been postponed a couple of times so I’m just really pleased that it’s finally happening. For me, this is the way boxing should be, two top rated British fighters facing each other – not people dodging each other but the best fighting the best.”
Predictions
Tim Rickson, BBN Editor: “It's a close fight and a great matchup. To be able to watch this for free is a real treat for fight fans. Harris is a world title contender, who had 12 hard rounds with Julio Cesar Martinez, so he has been in the bigger fights with the better opposition. Two tough knockouts later and I'm questioning how much he might have left. I lean towards Harris for now..”
Running Order
Main Event:
Tommy Frank vs Jay Harris
12×3 British flyweight title
Keanen Wainwright vs Michal Dufek
8×3 Super-lightweight contest
Jordan Barker vs Vaida Masiokaite
6×2 Lightweight contest
Tori-Ellis Willetts vs TBA
4×2 Flyweight contest
Nicolie Campbell vs Darryl Sharp
6×3 Light-heavyweight contest
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