Tommy Frank is the new Commonwealth super-flyweight champion
Tommy Frank is the new Commonwealth super-flyweight champion after demolishing Luke Wilton in four rounds on March 15, at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Arena.
With the action broadcast live via Freesports, the clash was expected to be an entertaining affair, and truly lived up to expectations.
With a great atmosphere, bolstered by some noisy away fans, the action was frenetic from the opening bell. Both men traded early, but Frank’s superior power told, and it wasn’t long before Wilton, a stand in opponent, was on the seat of his shorts from a straight right hand. Back up just before the count of ten, Wilton was soon down from another right cross, and a first-round stoppage looked to be on the cards.
Bravely, the Belfast man fought his way back into the fight and held his own in rounds two and three. The end was nigh though as Sheffield’s Frank came out blazing in round four, and immediately had Wilton sickened on the canvas from a body shot. Again, Luke managed to get to his feet but Tommy swarmed all over him with more shots to the body and, with Wilton again on the canvas, referee Michael Alexander waved it off with the time at 50 seconds.
Now undefeated as a pro in 10 outings, this was only Tommy’s second early finish – but to come against Wilton, who had previously been the distance with WBC World Flyweight Champ Charlie Edwards, is an impressive feat. Tommy, who will now look at potentially defending his new title, has thrust himself into British Title contention. Wilton, 20-6-1 (7), aged 30, will likely ponder his future after acknowledging before the fight that this was his last chance at winning a major honour.
Also, on the bill, in an upset, Manchester’s Michael Gomez Jr was beaten by Cardiff’s Henry Janes over six rounds. Gomez, unbeaten coming into the fight at 9-0 (3), was the taller man but wasn’t able to keep Janes at bay. The entertaining fight was even throughout, with both men landing eye-catching shots, but judge Howard Foster saw it in the Welshman’s favour, 58-57, with Gomez making his displeasure known as the verdict was announced. Janes is now 13-24-3 (1).