Stabroek News
May 3, 2001

There is a saying that the second time around is always better than the first time.

From a financial stand point top ranked International Boxing Federation welterweight boxer Raul Frank found that out. He first battled Vernon Forrest for the vacant IBF crown Frank and got US$90,000.

This time when he matches gloves against Forrest, win or lose he will walk away with US$250,000 the largest purse a Guyanese boxer has been contracted for in recent times.

But the 30-year-old Frank is not driven by the money but rather a desire to be world champion.

rom his training camp in Howard Beach, Florida, Frank said that this time will be different than when the two first met on August 26 last year. "We are going to take Vernon Forrest into the back allies and treat him very rough. I'm 100 percent better than when we first met and by God's grace I'll win this title," said Frank.

"I'll receive $US 250,000 for this fight. Don King has treated me fairly. He knows that I'll win this bout, said Frank.

King has been promoting Frank's fights since he won the USBA welterweight title following a 10-round decision over previously undefeated Percell Miller on October 10th, 1997.

The first fight between Forrest and the Guyanese Frank ended prematurely after an accidental head butt caused a gash over Frank's forehead in round three, and could not continue, resulting in a technical draw. The two were again scheduled to clash on January 13 but Frank injured his ankle at the eleventh hour forcing another postponement.

He is not bothered by the postponements nor is there any pressure brought on by Andrew 'Sixhead' Lewis' winning of the WBA title. "Actually I look at these postponements as an act of God. Now I have Panama Lewis in my camp and I'm in much better shape. I'm not pressured to win because Lewis won. I'm my own man I have to do what I have to do for Guyana, my family and myself."

Forrest is a heavy favourite to win on May 12, a factor Frank believes will work in his favour. "I'm glad that most of the media don't give me a chance. To me this is will be the first world title for Guyana. I know Forrest is no pushover but Raul Frank is a mean fighting machine. I will win this fight. My mood that night will be to search and destroy," Frank added.

Forrest is rated number two by the IBF and is unbeaten in 32 fights. He has stopped thirteen of the last 15 opponents including five in the first round. Still the Frank camp is unshaken. Elder brother Steve, a one time NABF middleweight champion is adamant that the title will be in their hands on May 12.

"Raul is carrying more muscle mass at this time. He is a lot better than he was for their first encounter. I think that Forrest is in a lot of trouble. He (Forrest) knows that it wouldn't be easy (winning), he is not ready for this type of Raul Frank," the elder Frank said.

Describing his opponent, the number one ranked welterweight said that Forrest likes to bully. "He is a tall rangy fighter with good technique. He likes to have his way in the ring but we'll be roughing him up." Frank returns to New York on Sunday to continue training at the World Gym in Manhattan.

The welterweight title bout is the main supporting fight on Felix Trinidad versus William Joppy card where a ring side seat carries a whopping price tag of $US750.