‘Frog’ Holmes gets sponsorship boost ahead of Contender ‘quarters’
New Era Fencing will sponsor Richard “Frog” Holmes, a two-time finalist in the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Contender Boxing Series, to the tune of $250,000.
Patrick Rhone, managing director of New Era Fencing, along with wife Cerita Rhone, presented Holmes with his cheque at a handingover ceremony at the company’s offices on Friday.
The money, according to Patrick Rhone, is to assist the number one-ranked fighter with his general preparation for the eighth season that is currently at its quarter-final stage.
In making the presentation, Rhone said he was moved to assist Holmes after watching the fighter over the years and admiring his tenacity.
“I have been following boxing for quite a while, especially “Frog” Holmes’ career which begun about eight years ago. Since then he has come a far way [and] has been to the final twice, and after seeing him in action in the first fight of this competition, I thought he needed something extra to take him across that finish line,” said the New Era Fencing boss.
“I then discussed the matter with directors of the company and the discussion turned out most favourable for me to talk with Holmes’ trainer, Mr Carl Grant. [This is] something to give his attempts that extra edge to take him to the final and beyond the line home to the championship on this occasion,” Rhone said.
Holmes, in turn, was grateful for the “extra push”.
“Mr Rhone coming on board is a good look [and] we really appreciate the move, which will aid the general preparation that includes training. Getting this sponsorship is very good for me, for right now I am in serious training and for the next fight you will see much improvement than in the first fight,” Holmes said.
Holmes’ coach Grant was also thankful
“I have spoken with Mr Rhone before and he told me that he will look into the possibility of assisting, and it could not come at a better time.
“With this sponsorship he will continue to visit the doctor and all the anomalies that were there will be corrected with this new thrust,” Grant noted.
— Hurbun Williams