Sheffield boxer Tommy Frank determined to reclaim IBF inter-continental flyweight title after ‘mentally tough’ 7 months

The 27-year-old lost the belt he’d held since 2019 in December after being forced to retire against Rosendo Hugo Guarneros due to a shoulder injury and will fight the Mexican in a rematch at the latest outdoor Fightzone show at Sheffield Arena.

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Frank, from Intake, valiantly fought on for another five rounds using just his right arm after he was injured in round three before trainer Glyn Rhodes MBE decided to pull his man out.

Correcting the only defeat of his professional career to date has been firmly in his sights since then.

“You just want to right the wrongs,” said Frank, whose record stands at 13 wins, including three knockouts, and one loss.

"It’s been challenging physically and mentally. That was the first time I have ever been injured as a boxer.

"It’s been tough mentally, it's not been straightforward with the rehab but I have worked with a fantastic physio, Lisa Bailey.”

Now, fully recovered, he wants to turn on the style in front of a sold-out home crowd.

"I’m going to be a one-hundred times better version of myself than I was last time and I don’t think I had a particularly bad performance,” Frank said.

"I’m going to be ready for whatever happens, I’m just going to get this win.”

Friday’s bout has been labelled a ‘career crossroads fight’ for Frank. In his mind, though, it’s a stepping stone.

“This is a ranking title so it’s going to get me a ranking in the IBF,” he said.

“We are laying the foundations for boxing for a world title, hopefully, in the not-too-distant future. Realistically, if we keep going the way we are I might only be three or four fights away.

"I want to be involved in the big, exciting fights Sheffield people can watch and come and support me.”

Sheffield-based IBF World Flyweight champion Sunny Edwards is in Frank’s sights, but he admits his rival is currently ahead of him.

For now, then, the focus is on revenge.

"The main aim is Friday, I have just got to get this fight won,” he said.

"Hopefully that starts up some big things for the future.”