17.05.05 – By Jim Amato: I just learned that there is a very good possibility that Perrysville, Ohio favorite Craig Weber will meet former world champion Frankie Randall sometime in July. The bout will be held at Cleveland, Ohio’s Gund Arena. The projected date is either July 8th or July 15th.
Weber has not fought since he drew with Rogelio Castaneda Jr. on December 10th of last year. Craig was attempting to avenge his only career loss that came at the hands of Castaneda Jr. in 2003. Craig’s big win came on April 16, 2004 when he outfought world class Angel Manfredy over ten thrilling rounds. Weber who will turn 31 this August sports a 19-1-2 record with ten knockouts.
Frankie ” The Surgeon” Randall turned professional in 1981. The veteran will turn 44 this September. On his way to a world title he met and defeated some top notch opposition. He lost a disputed decision to the famous Edwin Rosario in 1985. He would stop Rosario in seven rounds in a rematch a few years later. He also halted rugged Sammy Fuentes in two rounds in 1986. Fuentes has a kayo victory over Youngstown’s beloved former I.B.F. lightweight champion Harry Arroyo.
A surprise knockout loss in two rounds to Primo Ramos in 1987 stalled Frankie’s progress. Randall would go on a seventeen fight win streak that finally led to his most memorable night. On January 29, 1994 Frankie became the first man to ever beat the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez as he won a well deserved split decision and with it Julio’s W.B.C. light welterweight title.
Less then four months later he would lose the title back to Chavez after an accidental butt opened a cut on Chavez who claimed he could not continue. It went to the scorecards and Chavez was awarded a technical decision.
In September of the same year Frankie challenged Juan Martin Coggi for the W.B.A. light welterweight title and won a decision and the crown. He would lose the title back to Coggi on another technical decision in January of 1996. seven months later he would again decision Coggi to regain the title.
Randall lost his championship on January 11, 1997 to Khalid Rahilou who battered Randall into submission in the eleventh round. Frankie would never again challenge for a major title.
Since Frankie’s loss to Rahilou his record is 5 wins and 12 defeats. He was knocked out by current W.B.O welterweight champion Antonio Margarito and he was also stopped by Peter Manfredo Jr. of current ” Contender ” fame. On May 22, 2004 he met Chavez in their long overdue rubber match and lost a ten round decision.
Randall’s overall record at this time stands at 56-17-1. It has been over a decade since his upset win over Chavez. Clearly he is not the fighter he once was. His name will look good on Weber’s record if Craig wins but I really can not see it moving him higher in the rankings. A loss to Randall at this stage of Frankie’s career would be disastrous for Weber.