Tommy Frank- "I am going to send him home disappointed"
Friday night will witness the first-ever outdoor, drive-thru event when the unbeaten and IBO Inter-Continental champion Tommy Frank (13-0-0 3KO), headlines in the Sheffield Arena Car Park against the tough Mexican, Rosendo Hugo Guarneros (17-4-2 8KO) for the vacant IBF Inter-Continental flyweight title. Preparation has been far from ideal as this is now Tommy Frank's third opponent for Friday after Kyle Yousaf had to pull out due to testing positive for COVID. Then, came the disappointing news that Harvey Horn also pulled out of the fight so Tommy has not had long to prepare for Friday night's main event.
"Having the change of opponents hasn't been ideal but you are pretty much against yourself in there. I don't study my opponents too much because how they fought in their previous fight, doesn't necessarily mean they will fight like that against me. I keep my blinkers on, tunnel vision and I am just focused on Friday and putting on a clinical performance. I am going to send him home disappointed. For me, my opponent's face may as well be blank in there because I don't pay much attention to them. I only focus on myself and how I am going to perform. One thing I do know is that he is perfect for me and he is just another hurdle I need to cross to fulfill my dreams".
Tommy last fought in November 2019 when he won the vacant IBO Inter-Continental Flyweight Title against another Mexican, Martin Tecuapetla. This year has been hard for most people and Tommy has a positive reflection on 2020.
"The most important thing looking back is that I and my family are safe and we are well. Life hasn't changed too much for me other than the boxing aspect but luckily for me, I have still been able to use the gym and keep motivated which has been important for me. I have put this time to good use and life is all about playing the cards your dealt. I am a massive believer of that and everything happens for a reason. 2020 has affected everyone but you've just got to focus on a goal you wish to achieve".
I asked Tommy about his thoughts on what does he want from 2021 and whether a possible fight with Sunny Edwards could take place.
"I want that British title next year so that would be my main priority. That fight with Kyle Yousef was meant to happen this year but it is the fight I want to kick start a great 2021. I saw a tweet that Sunny Edwards put out but it is nothing personal, I would definitely fight him if the opportunity came about. I do think Sunny will be fighting for world honours sooner rather than later but if and when it happens, it will be a big fight. My future in this sport is exciting but I am under no illusions, I have to take it one step a time".
This Friday will witness the first-ever drive-thru event outside Sheffield Arena and Tommy can't wait.
"I am so excited to be making history, it is a one of a kind event and I am honoured to be headlining. Don't get me wrong, it is not ideal to be having it outside in the middle of December but it is a big event and one I am really looking forward to. I can't wait to put on a performance and then enjoy Christmas with my family before a huge 2021".
Date: Friday 11th December 2020
Time: 20:00
Venue: Flydsa Arena Car Park, Sheffield
TV: Eurosport 1