Promoter believes Luke Wilton a dangerous step for Tommy Frank

British fight boss Dennis Hobson admits he is throwing prospect Tommy Frank [9(1)-0] in the deep end next weekend.

The Sheffield super flyweight, in a change to initial plans, will box Belfast’s Luke Wilton for the vacant Commonwealth title at the Ponds Forge Arena on Friday March 15th.

Frank had been due to box Ross Murray but the Scot has fallen out of the bout and promoter Hobson believes that Wilton [20(7)-5(1)-1] poses a more dangerous proposition.

The 30-year-old Ulsterman is active for the first time in a number of years and is taking a ‘leave it all on the line’ approach as he makes one last title charge.

Hobson noted that “this is a tougher assignment than the original opponent, but when you fight for a meaningful title you have to be willing to fight whoever is put in front of you, which Tommy is willing to do.”

“Luke is a lot more experienced, so we’ll find out what Tommy is all about against this credible opponent.”

“This is also a big opportunity for Luke, so credit to him for stepping up to the plate. I’m confident in Tommy though,” he added before admitting that his role as promoter supercedes all.

“As a promoter I just want to put good fights on, which this will be.”

“Glyn [Rhodes, trainer] wants to test Tommy, we believe in him and I believe he has enough in his tank to win and then consolidate at this level. But this is a big step for him.”

25-year-old Frank defeated Tanzanian Adam Yahaya in an eliminator last time out but, as Hobson states, Wilton is a big step up for the prospect.

The English puncher is very confident and said that “I’m over the moon that Dennis and Steve Crump have worked so hard to get me this title shot, I’m very grateful.”

“It’s a brilliant title, and a stepping stone to bigger things. If you look at the calibre of fighters that have won the Commonwealth, it’s a massive title.”

“It will open up a lot of doors for me and get me noticed, but first I have to come through against Luke Wilton.”