Frankly Speaking, are a The Franks legacy of grit and grace

Nov 04, 2025 Sports

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Kaieteur Sports – The world, once a mosaic of distinct cultures and customs, has transformed into an interconnected global community marked by constant movement and migration. Families from developing nations often journey to more prosperous countries in search of better opportunities, stronger human-rights protections, and the promise of what they call “a better life.”

My name is Joshua Frank, an American born to Raul and Gillian Frank, both of Guyanese heritage. Like many of their fellow countrymen, my parents migrated to the United States in pursuit of new horizons and improved living standards. In 2000, I made my first visit to Guyana. Though brief, that trip left a lasting impression. Since then, I’ve listened with admiration as my parents reminisced about their time in Guyana—stories filled with warmth, humor, and deep pride in their roots.

Reflecting on their journey, I’ve realized how their experiences continue to guide me. They’ve inspired me to strive for excellence and to embody the values they represent: perseverance, humility, and faith in one’s potential.

My father, Raul Frank, is a renowned professional boxer who began his career in Guyana, debuting with a knockout victory over his countryman, Wayne Coats. As a child, I was captivated by his discipline and drive. Many expected me to follow him into the “square jungle,” as the boxing ring is fondly called, but my path unfolded in a different arena—the field of law and policy. Like my father, I’ve had my share of battles, though mine are fought in courtrooms and classrooms rather than boxing rings. I attended Trinity College on a full tuition scholarship with a programme called the Posse Foundation. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. I am a Fulbright scholar, currently working within the New York Court System.

It was a tough undertaking but, throughout my journey, my father rendered unwavering support which I regard as the catalyst to my achievement. During my formative years, he defended my dreams with the same courage he once displayed in the ring. Over the course of his 34-fight professional career, he earned admiration both in Guyana and the U.S., particularly for his two memorable bouts against the late Vernon Forrest in 2000 and 2001. The first ended as a “no contest” after an accidental head clash, while the rematch went the distance, with my father losing on points—but gaining lasting respect.

My father’s exploits in the ‘square jungle’ had served Guyana well, and he was involved in many action-packed encounters locally before migrating to the United States of America. Even then, he had always had an interest in the advancement of the sport locally and had returned, when promoters were most productive, to engage his countrymen, Barrington Cambridge, Michael Benjamin, and Jeff Roberts, among other top-ranked Guyanese fighters. Those bouts are now nostalgic memories and spark heated street corner debates among the pundits.

Even in retirement, my father’s passion for boxing remains undiminished. Today, he is a respected trainer at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York—one of the sport’s most iconic institutions—where he mentors the next generation of fighters.

Growing up around Gleason’s Gym, I witnessed, firsthand, the raw energy and culture of the sport. I remember watching the great Lennox Blackmore coach at work—his sharp movements and intensity commanding everyone’s attention. The reverberating chants of his supporters, “Beat them, Blackmore, beat them!” still ring in my ears. The boxing gym was a place filled with nostalgic memories, sweat, and ambition. I also recall seeing fighters like my father’s countryman, among them, former Olympian, Dillon Carew, hone their craft within those same walls before going on to open his own gym, a testament to how Gleason’s has long been a cradle of dreams for those determined to rise.

Boxing runs deep in the Frank family. My uncles—Linsley, Stephen, Nicholas, Rory, and Ronson—each laced up gloves at various points, supported by their father, the late Richard Frank, who proudly cheered his sons from ringside until his passing. Debates about who was the best pugilist among them still stir passionate conversations across Guyana’s boxing circles.

My uncle Ronson Frank has since carried the family tradition forward in a new way—as a promoter with Big Vision NYC, organizing major boxing events that spotlight both emerging and established talent. My cousin Stephen Frank has also expanded the family’s footprint in the sport. Alongside Ronson, he operates “Hit the Deck,” a dynamic boxing gym with two locations that continue to nurture fighters and community members alike. Together, their efforts embody the same fighting spirit that has defined our family for generations.

Behind every fighter, though, there is often a quiet force of strength—and that, for me, was my mother, Gillian Frank. Her compassion, discipline, and steady belief in education were foundational to my growth. She balanced the energy of a boxing household with grace and purpose, constantly reminding me that determination must be matched with empathy and integrity. My mom worked close to Wall Street and I remember when she took me to the trading floor one day. That simple visit boosted my self-confidence and strengthened my belief that with determination and tact, anything was possible.

Over time, I’ve also discovered my own lane within the boxing fraternity. I realized that I’d found my way in boxing—not inside the ring, but through storytelling. I co-manage a boxing media page called Sociology of the Sweet Science with my friend Patrick Devitt, where we explore the human and cultural side of the sport. We’ve collaborated on Instagram with heavyweight legend Shannon Briggs, world-class fighter Chris Colbert, and award-winning film director Rodrigo Belone, bridging generations of fighters and fans through creative dialogue.

My experiences have compelled me to reach out to all Guyanese, especially the youth, to encourage them to pursue their dreams boldly and take full advantage of the educational and professional opportunities available both in Guyana and here in the United States of America. Whether in the ring or the courtroom, our journeys prove that success is not inherited—it is earned through courage, perseverance, and belief in one’s purpose.

I am an American, born to Guyanese parents, and I am very proud of Guyana. It makes me beam with pride to see the country join other world leaders to take strategic advantage of oil reserves. I will continue to shout, from the hills and vales; no matter where I be, I am Guyanese!”

Yes, I will always cheer for Guyana and the Guyanese people!

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• Iran Barkley, Joshua Frank, Rawle Frank, The Franks

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