Like a climber just short of the summit, boxer Richard ‘Frog’ Holmes came close to the thrill of ultimate victory last year, making it to the title fight of the Wray and Nephew Contender Series.

Standing between him and the coveted Contender purse on that occasion was Kemahl ‘Hitman’ Russell. Holmes had to settle for the runner-up spot and ponder what went wrong.

But now, ‘Frog’ has hopped back into the sixth season of the Wray & Nephew Contender Series, hungrier than ever and determined not to be stopped short of the peak this time around.

The Wray & Nephew Contender Series kicks off today at The Chinese Benevolent Association on Hope Road in St Andrew at 8:00 pm with TVJ airing the live feature fight at 9:30 pm.

‘Frog’ will hope to make light work of Xzaviar Ford, the young challenger out of the United States, making his Caribbean debut as part of a Team USA aggregation that will take on Team Caribbean, which comprises Holmes and seven other hopefuls from across the region.

As a ‘Contender Veteran’ (this is now his fifth season), the well-liked boxer is pleased to have been a part of the sport’s revival through the series: “The Wray & Nephew Contender is a great platform for local boxing, and even though as a fighter I’d like to have more opportunities to fight as a professional in Jamaica and elsewhere, I’m happy for the great exposure and for the love and support from the fans,” Holmes said in an interview recently.

Under the guidance of coach Carl Grant, Holmes has redoubled his efforts at training and has been honing his ring instincts and strategy even further.

Grant also called for more consistent opportunities and a year-round pro calendar, but added the Wray & Nephew Contender Series has thus far been a wonderful experience for him and his charge.

And, of course, both are confident that this time, Richard ‘Frog’ Holmes will be that last man standing at the summit of regional boxing after that final bell has sounded.