Ronson Frank Interview: Doing It His Way Without O’Shea
By Robert Brizel, Real Combat Media Correspondent
In a Real Combat Media exclusive, 16-0 southpaw light heavyweight contender Ronson Frank, 35, preparing for his comeback bout against Sharif Kemp in Long Island City Queens, New York, in the main event of an eight bout card on Wednesday March 27, 2013, promoted by Uprising Promotions, talked about the contractual issues which led to his 26 month hiatus from boxing, how his family pitched in to start a promotional company to promote him, and his future plans.
Real Combat Media: “Ronson, why the two year layoff from boxing?”
Ronson Frank: “I had a promoter, a local guy (in the New York City area) Named Brian O’Shea. He got me a couple of fights and a New York State title fight.”
Real Combat Media: “What caused your split with Brian O’Shea?”
Ronson Frank: “I was ready to step up to a higher level bout but O’Shea could not get me a break through fight, a step up fight, a top 20 ranking kind of fight.”
Real Combat Media: “Why didn’t you sign with somebody else?”
Ronson Frank: “I scare some people off. I’m 35, but I have a lot of fight left in me.
Awhile back when I was training with Freddie Roach, Golden Boy talked to me about signing me if I could win a step up fight they would arrange, but I never heard from them after that.”
Real Combat Media: “When promoters call me more recently, what do they say?”
Ronson Frank: “When promoters did call me, they call me with a short notice fight, such as to fight Sergey Kovalev on eight days notice. I am not going to take a fight just for the money, knowing I’m not prepared.”
Real Combat Media: “Who exactly were you signed with promotionally?”
Ronson Frank: “I was signed to O’Shea Brothers Promotions. I told Brian O’Shea to get me a significant fight (beyond a certain point). I couldn’t get out of it, so I told him to get me out of the (my) contract.”
Real Combat Media: “You could have been fighting under O’Shea Brothers Promotions till your contract expired, even if the bouts were journeyman type fighters. Why didn’t you keep busy until your contract ran out?”
Ronson Frank: “I’m a working person. I have a mortgage. I have a family to take care of. I can’t take off from work for eight weeks to fight someone with a records of 6-15 for (a purse) of 2500 dollars.”
Real Combat Media: “Ronson, who is training you?”
Ronson Frank: “My trainer is Colin Morgan.”
Real Combat Media: “When did you contract with the O’Shea Brothers end?”
Ronson Frank: “My contract with O’Shea ended a year ago. It became a stalemate of complaints to the New York State Athletic Commission. My family offered to buy out the contract, but Mr. O’Shea turned them down.”
Real Combat Media: “When did you decide to go it solo?”
Ronson Frank: “June or July last year (in 2012), I decided I was going to do it, to promote myself. My close knit family came together and believed in me, and (that’s when) my promotional company started.”
Real Combat Media: “Ronson, you are now rusty after two years out of the ring. When do you think you will be ready for a major fight against a name opponent?”
Ronson Frank: “Within two fights, I will be ready to go. I will fight anybody at 175 pounds. Edison Miranda, Leonel Thompson, Chuck Mussachio. I’ll fight anybody!”
Real Combat Media: Ronson, what was your connection to Carl Froch?”
Ronson Frank: I was Carl Froch’s sparring partner, helping him prepare for his fight with Andre Dirrell. I also sparring with Librado Andrade, helping him get ready for his bout with Vitaliy Tsypko.”
Real Combat Media: “What do you expect in your comeback bout against Kemp?”
Ronson Frank: “I expect a tough fight every time I step into the ring. Once AI do what I do (get going), I control range, distance, and work my jab.”
Real Combat Media: “Ronson, what would you like to tell your fans?”
Ronson Frank: “Tell my fans I’m back! Let’s move onto bigger and better things this year. I take on all comers.”
Real Combat Media: “When will you fight next after March 27?”
Ronson Frank: “The end of May or early June 2013. My bout after the next one will be broadcast on SportsNet New York.”
Real Combat Media: “Ronson, good luck and best wishes with your March bout.”
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