Welsh Middleweight Champion Frankie Borg (8-2) is preparing for the first defence of his title against Kerry Hope (20-6) at Rhydycar Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales on Friday 21st March. Training at St. Joseph’s in Newport by Tony Borg, Frankie took time-out from punishing the heavy bag to answer a few questions.
Ringnews24.com: When did you take-up boxing?
I was about thirteen, my friends were boxing. I was doing Karate and Judo but I found it boring cos it wasn’t physical enough. I went to the Prince of Wales club in Grangetown, Cardiff.
I went to the Welsh schoolboy championships once and won it, went to the Welsh Youth’s three times and won it three times. As a Welsh Senior I won the ABA twice. Won a bronze at the four nations, boxed Andy Lee but lost.
Ringnews24.com: When did you turn professional?
Turned pro four years ago [in 2010]. I’m 33 now, I’ve done well with what I’ve achieved so far. Bit gutted with my first loss, against Danny Butler, it was a good scrap but I misjudged him. I didn’t think he could hurt me, I was walking through his punches, not really moving my head and thinking that he couldn’t hurt me but Bam! – lights-out in round eight. It was a good fight and he’s gone on a good run since. As the later rounds go you get fatigued, it was a good scrap but he caught me with a beautiful shot.
Ringnews24.com: Toughest fight to date?
Chris Eubank Jnr over six rounds, at a catchweight. He’s naturally a bigger and stronger person. He came in huge. I could feel the shots coming through. Eubank has been my best opponent, so far. Butler was good but I thought I was winning the fight, three rounds up.
Ringnews24.com: Your best performance to date?
Against Gary Cooper for the Welsh Middleweight title, I was so relaxed in that fight and I let my shots go, it was a good fight. I was letting my hands go, letting it flow and broke him down.
Ringnews24.com: Thoughts on the March 21st fight with Kerry Hope?
It’s a big fight. Kerry Hope’s a good guy, he’s been around a long time as a pro and boxed some top boys, lost to some but won the European title with a big performance; fought his heart-out and won it and I was happy for him with that. I was meant to fight him a few weeks back on the Lee Selby undercard, it didn’t come through because I was injured. But, I’m back in now and going to his backyard to fight him.
Ringnews24.com: Your thoughts on fighting in your opponents home-town?
Happy to go to Merthyr. Yeah, I don’t give a shit. I’ll knock on his door “Come on Kerry it’s fight time” (laughs).
Ringnews24.com: Prediction for the fight?
To get the ‘W’ – I wants the win. I want to keep the Welsh title – it’s a lovely belt. Stay busy with him, outwork him and even outbox him. I can’t wait til the fight.
Ringnews24.com: What are your plans for 2014?
I’ll be 34 in June, still got my hair (laughs). Get the win against Kerry Hope and just keep winning. Whatever fight comes up, just take it and beat the fuck-out of them. Prizefighter, I’d jump at that even at light-middleweight. If there’s an Eddie Hearn show in May and I can get on that; it’d be lovely. It’s a business and we don’t get paid enough (laughs).
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‘Welsh Pride’ is promoted by Sanigar Events and takes place at Merthyr Leisure Centre on 21st March 2014.
The show is headlined by the clash between Frankie Borg and Kerry Hope for the Welsh Middleweight title. The undercard features a host of exciting Welsh talent including Chris Jenkins, Lloyd Davies and Tony Pace plus the return of Robbie Turley.
Tickets £30 and £60 Ringside. Box Office: 0117 949 6699 Website: www.westcountryboxing.com
