Jay Harris becomes British flyweight champion
Frank's corner threw in the towel in the 10th round
Defending champion Tommy Frank (15-3-1, 3KO) conceded his British flyweight title to world titl contender Jay Harris (20-3, 11KO) on Friday, May 5 in Rotherham.
The British barnstormer was broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and the headliners did not diappoint.
One judge had the contest a draw (86-86) until "Super" Tommy's corner team were forced to throw in the towel in the 10th round.
Frank started fast, believing his youth and freshness would be the key to victory over the 32-year-old who has had 12 hard rounds against Julio Cesar Martinez for the WBC World title in 2020 and back to back stoppage defeats in 2021.
The 29-year-old from Sheffield put it on the older Harris from the first bell but the experienced Welshman was able to match the pace set.
Trained by Gary Lockett, Harris was cut over the right eye but still looked fresh by round 10, where he was landing heavily and regularly. Harris stood off of Frank to allow room to dig a lovely left hook into the ribs, then he kanded a hard straight right to back the champion onto the ropes where he began to tee off but the corner made the difficult but correct decision to throw in the towel.
An elated Jay Harris said post-fight, "We done it! British champion! All the hard work paid off.
"Tommy Frank huge heart and one hell of a champion, that was a proper old school British title fight."
Boxing News' Shaun Brown reacted to the stoppage, "Jay Harris did superbly well there. Frank put it on him but Harris kept up with him and, in the end, Frank had little left. British title fights rarely disappoint."
Not only has the Welshman completed the set – British, Commonwealth, European – but he has also emulated his father, Peter, who was a British featherweight champion in 1988.
Other Results
Keanen Wainwright WON-TKO 7 vs Michal Dufek
Jordan Barker WON-PTS 6 vs Vaida Masiokaite
Nicolie Campbell WON-PTS 6 vs Darryl Sharp
Tori-Ellis Willetts WON-TKO 3 vs Klaudia Ferenczi
Brendan Needham WON-PTS 4 vs Erik Nazaryan
Tom Summerbell WON-PTS 4 vs Jordan Grannum
Jimmy Tyers WON-PTS 4 vs Harry Matthews
Ronnie Mulock WON-PTS 4 vs Kasey Bradnum
Article sponsored by HÖRFA
