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Let’s beat Frank – Luke Wilton secures Commonwealth title shot


Luke Wilton [20(7)-5(1)-1] has secured the kind of domestic title shot he returned to boxing to get.

‘Winky’ ended an 18 month sabbatical from the ring on the Back in Belfast card last November declaring he had found his love for boxing again and setting a British and-or Commonwealth title goal.

Having boxed three times in just under four years between May of 2014 and March of 2017 the Belfast super flyweight made it three wins and, probably more importantly, 16 rounds in just three months at the Ulster Hall last Saturday.

Following that win the former British and Commonwealth title challenger declared he was tuned up enough to return to big time domestic level – and less than a week later he has agreed to fight for the vacant Commonwealth super flyweight title.

The 30-year-old steps in to replace Ross Murray and will fight Sheffield’s Tommy Frank [9(1)-0] for the rainbow belt on Friday March 15th on the ‘Little Big Man’ card set for Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Arena.

The East Belfast wee man had been approached about the fight previously, but felt the initial February date proposed was too soon and elected to bide his time.

However, with the change of date and the withdrawal of Murray, the stars have aligned to provide Wilton with the perfect chance to secure a noteworthy title on a show that will broadcast live on Freesports (Freeview 95, Freesat 252, Sky 422, BT 95, Talk Talk 95, Virgin 553).

25-year-old Frank stepped up in his previous fight, widely outpointing TanzanianAdam Yahaya in a Commonwealth title eliminator having been built on journeymen previously.

It’s a tough fight and into the lions’ den for Wilton but it is a chance to claim the rainbow belt – six years on from his unsuccessful challenge of Kevin Satchell for the flyweight belt.

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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