Jay Harris: “I’ll give it everything because this (British Title) is the missing piece for me in my career”
Jay Harris has nothing but praise for Tommy Frank ahead of their highly-anticipated clash on Friday May 5th but says winning the Lonsdale Belt would have extra special meaning for him after his father, Peter, did the same over 30 years ago.
Sheffield’s Frank defends his British Flyweight Title against Harris at Rotherham’s Magna Centre, with all the action shown LIVE AND FREE ON FIGHTZONE.
‘Super’ Tommy won the coveted belt in 2019 against Brummie battler Matt Windle but has only managed to defend his title once since; a contentious split-decision draw against underrated ‘journeyman’ Craig Derbyshire in April last year. In between those two contests, the amiable 29-year-old has also negotiated a points win over Tanzania’s Charles Tondo, ensuring a respectable 15-2-1 (3) ledger as he heads into the biggest test of his career.
A former world title challenger – a gutsy 2020 WBC points loss to Mexico’s Julio Cesar Martinez in America – Harris, on paper, is the betting favourite to become the new domestic champion.
Having previously held titles at both European and Commonwealth levels, and having been in with better opposition, boxing fans could be forgiven for thinking the Welshman will simply cruise to victory ahead of his Yorkshire date of destiny. At 32 though, with two KO defeats in his last four fights, and with Frank promising to rise to his level and the occasion – the Swansea man is taking nothing for granted and says winning this fight is pivotal to his future.
“Absolutely not,” stated Harris when asked if he was the favourite against Frank. “Tommy’s a good fighter, very correct and he’s got a nice right hand. I watched him against Derbyshire and his two [losing] fights against [Mexican, Hugo] Guarneros – he’s good but I just think I’m better, and I have to prove my level.
“I have been in with better opposition, but Tommy’s a good fighter himself and I’ll give it everything because this (the British Title) is the missing piece for me in my career.”
Harris has all the pedigree, being a previous top amateur and with fighting running through his veins… dad, Peter, was British Featherweight champion back in the late 80s.
“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 don’t know if I have anywhere else to go (if I lose this one) but me and my team just take every fight as it comes. 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. And I’m not bothered fighting away from home, I like an away day to be fair!
“I also think Fightzone is a great platform, and now it’s free as well,” explained Jay, who will be appearing on the specialist boxing platform for the first time. “It’s ridiculously good, really really good and it’s put so many more boxers in the public eye.”
Steve Crump believes youth and freshness will be key to Frank's victory
Promoter and manager Steve Crump believes Sheffield fighter Frank has enough to come out on top when he defends his British belt on Friday night.
Victory for Frank would be a statement win and Crump – who heads up Fight Academy alongside Dennis Hobson and Stephen Vaughan – is convinced this is Tommy’s time.
"This is going to be a tough fight for both guys. Tommy has wanted to step up and to be involved in big fights, so this is the perfect acid-test for him.
"I can see it going the distance but I believe Tommy will shave it on a points decision. Tommy's career has stuttered a bit since Covid and the lockdown, but there's a real determination in him and he rises to the occasion.
"Tommy is probably that bit fresher than Jay, but Jay has the better experience. In the early rounds, I see Jay keeping up with Tommy but as the fight goes on, Tommy's youthfulness will pull him through and he'll shade it, in what will be a brilliant fight.
"What I do know is that Tommy will be in brilliant condition. He's a consummate professional and will be in the shape of his life. When we get him the big fights, he shines – and I know that he’ll leave everything in the ring.”
Also appearing on the card will be Sheffield’s Keanen Wainwright; Nicolie Campbell; Kent’s Ronnie Mulock, and Tom Summerbell, Jimmy Tyers and Jordan Barker from the Northeast. While the night will be a memorable one for another Sheffield fighter, Brendan Needham, who will make his pro debut.
How to watch Tommy Frank vs Jay Harris
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