Guarneros Again Upsets Frank in England, Retains IBF Flyweight Title

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

London, UK (June 19th, 2021)– For a foreign fighter to go into the United Kingdom enemy territory and win is incredible. For a foreign boxer to come in England and win on the scorecards in enemy territory is absolutely extraordinary, title or no title at stake. This is the story of flyweight Rosendo Hugo Guarneros. Known as “Verdugo” (which translates from Spanish into English as the hangman or executioner), his 25 bout career is only just realizing its peak at age 30. Guarneros, 19-4-2 with nine knockouts, Puebla, Mexico, might get a second shot at IBF World Flyweight Champion Sunny Edwards of London, owing to unique circumstances.

After losing his pro debut, Guarneros suddenly went undefeated in his next 16 bouts. Guarneros went 4-1-1 in his next six bouts, including a split decision win, a split decision loss, and a split decision draw. Guarneros then moved up to ten round status, losing two ten round decisions, then winning a ten round decision, all to top flight opposition.

While his first attempt to win the International Boxing Federation Inter-Continental Flyweight title to Sunny Edwards in England ended in loss by decision, Edwards is 16-0 and holds the International Boxing Federation World Flyweight title. The 2019 loss to Edwards was the equivalent of a world title eliminator. Guarneros won two bouts over Jonathan Mora in Guadalajara in 2018. What happened next with Frank was a repeat.

In December 2020 and June 2021, Guarneros traveled to Sheffield, United Kingdom, to fight contender Tommy Frank twice. Frank, then 13-0, retired after eight rounds with an injured left shoulder in their bout for the IBF Inter-Continental belt. This upset caused a rematch on June 18, 2021. Guarneros had two previous trips fighting experience in the United Kingdom (including his previous bout with Frank), and took it to the 12 round distance in their second confrontation by moving forward with nonstop pressure. The fact one judge scored the bout for Frank, who did not deserve it, is a reminder of how challenging it is to attempt to beat a promoter’s fighter on their home territory. For a foreign fighter to go into Great Britain against an undefeated prospect and win twice over the prospect in a six months span in title bouts of any kind, is a good poke.

Result: Hugo Rosendo Guarneros Win Split Decision 12 Tommy Frank, Flyweights

Guarneros retains International Boxing Federation Inter-Continental Flyweight title

Scoring: 117-112, 115-113 Guarneros. 115-113 Franks. Referee: Steve Gray




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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent
Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].