Frank V Harris

The British Title always produces great action and we’re guaranteed another night of excitement on Friday May 5th – LIVE AND FREE ON FIGHTZONE – when flyweight Tommy Frank defends his Lonsdale Belt at the Rotherham Magna Centre against former European and Commonwealth Champion, Jay Harris. 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 slight favourite … something that Frank believes will spur him on. “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.” As well as a fantastic headliner, the show is also a great opportunity for a number of Sheffield fighters to shine under the Fightzone lights, with the standout being Keanen ‘The Wolf’ Wainwright.  A stablemate of Frank’s, and a huge puncher, Wainwright is a man destined for big things in the fight game.  From his eight wins, five opponents have failed to hear the final bell, and the 25-year-old will want to bag a statement win in Rotherham after losing to top unbeaten prospect Ethan James last time out – a fight he took at a day’s notice and one that many ringsiders thought he won. Also appearing on the card will be Sheffield’s 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.