Fast-rising prospect Yahir Frank will step up to junior bantamweight and face his biggest test yet.
Frank, who was the subject of a New faces appear in the August/September digital edition of The Ringwill face Jayr Raquinel in the main event at Arena Sonora, Hermosillo, Mexico on Saturday on TV Azteca.
“I’m excited about this fight with the top-ranked Jayr Raquinel,” Frank (17-0, 12 knockouts) told The Ring through promoter Mario Abraham. “I’m sure it will be a war in the ring, a classic Mexico vs. Philippines showdown, a great show for the fans.”
The 22-year-old made his name at flyweight, but the opportunity came to face Raquinel and he was only too happy to move up in weight.
“My progression in boxing, my reach and the final test that I can become a world champion,” he said.
“Everything will go well, and I will be one step away from going for a world title. Any champion at 112 or 115 pounds that gives me the opportunity, I’ll go for my dream of becoming a world champion.”
Mario Abraham of MaxBoxing Promotions, notably guided Miguel Berchelt to world glory hoping Frank can follow in those footsteps.
“This is without a doubt the most important fight of his career,” Abraham said. “If we win this fight, we believe he will be ready to fight for a world championship.”
Raquinel (16-2-1, 13 KOs) has been a professional for a decade, successfully fighting outside of his native Philippines in Japan, China, South Africa and Thailand.
The 27-year-old southpaw is a former OPBF flyweight titlist and holds impressive road wins over Takuya Kogawa (TKO 8), Landile Ngxeke TKO 2) and faded former world title challenger Komgrich Nantapech (TKO 2).
Questions and/or comments can be sent to Anson at (email protected).
