Sheffield v Doncaster boxing derby: Favourite Tommy Frank expects tough battle

Undefeated Tommy Frank is not taking anything for granted against South Yorkshire rival Craig Derbyshire - despite his opponent's '˜Won five Lost 25' record.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Apr 2018, 12:10 BST
Updated 12th Apr 2018, 12:11 BST
Tommy Frank. Picture: Chris EtchellsTommy Frank. Picture: Chris Etchells
Tommy Frank. Picture: Chris Etchells

The pair dispute the Central Area super flyweight title at iceSheffield on April 27.

And while Derbyshire will be the underdog against Sheffield Boxing Centre’s Frank, the favourite isn’t overlooking him.

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Derbyshire has only been stopped three times, and Frank believes the Doncaster slugger will put up huge resistance in an attempt to keep hold of his belt.

“Craig has boxed some good kids” said the 24-year-old. “He’s tough, turns up to win, and won’t want to let this title go. It’ll be a great fight to watch because he knows he’s going to have to pressure me, he won’t outbox me so he knows he has to knock me out, and that’s what I’ve trained for.

“It will be entertaining but I’ll be too sharp for him, and I’m looking forward to getting that belt around my waist.

“It would mean so much to win the Area belt. If you want to do things the old-fashioned way then you win the Area, English, British, European and so on. “I want to do it the old-fashioned way like Clinton Woods did.

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“This title would be the first step on the ladder, all my gym mates that I’ve looked up to, like John Fewkes, Sam Sheedy, Carl Wild, Jez Wilson have all done it, and it would mean a lot to join that club.”

Frank added: “I want this to be a good year. I’ve had my learning fights and want to push on. It’s a very exciting division at the minute. If I pick the Central Area up then I want to get a few more rounds and will be looking for the English title.

“At my weight, by the end of 2018 or the early part of next year, I want to be looking at the British title.

“Titles are what I’m after.

“I’m really looking forward to the show, (Liam Cameron headlines) and to the Freesports TV coverage. I’ve been on one of these televised shows before and it was a great atmosphere.

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“Dennis Hobson has done great working with Freesports and they do a really good job on the TV, so I’m looking forward to showing what I can do and getting my name out there; showing people exactly who Tommy Frank is.”

* Six days before the Liam Cameron show, Sheffield will stage another big match-up with Sam O’maison and Jordan Cooke disputing the English superlightweight title at Bramall Lane.

Related topics:SheffieldDoncasterDerbyshireSouth Yorkshire