FORMER Basingstoke-based boxer Dean Francis has died at the age of 44 after a battle with cancer.
The former English, British, European and Commonwealth titleholder, who most recently lived in Bristol, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in January 2017.
Mr Francis, who was given three to six months to live, died today with some of the biggest names in British boxing paying tribute.
My family and all at @MatchroomBoxing send our deepest condolences to the family of Dean Francis, a great fighter and a lovely man. Rest in peace 🙏🏼
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) May 25, 2018
Hearing the news about Brendan Ingle and Dean Francis is truly heartbreaking.. My thoughts are with all family and friends of both men at these difficult times.. Brendan Ingle has left a legacy that very few can ever compare to.. so sad 😔
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) May 25, 2018
After being told his cancer was incurable, Mr Francis pledged to fight the disease and received support from UK boxing legends such as Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton as he raised money to fund alternative treatment.
Other events fundraising in aid Mr Francis featured the likes of Chris Eubank Snr and Chris Eubank Jnr, James DeGale and David Haye.
Mr Francis leaves behind wife Ghalia and son Rocco.
After an impressive amateur career, the Basingstoke-born boxer turned professional in 1994, winning 21 of his first 22 fights to win a British title and push himself into world title contention.
However, in October 1998, Mr Francis, nicknamed Star, dislocated his shoulder during a fight against American Undra White at Basingstoke Arena.
Francis did not return to the ring until 2002 but shoulder problems continued to trobule him and, while he beat Tony Oakey to win another British title in 2008, he retired less than a year later.
He returned to the ring in 2012, winning three fights to set up a British title fight against Bob Ajisafe, a fight Mr Francis lost on points.
He retired in 2014.
Just seen about Dean Francis also, such sad news. A great fighter if wasn’t for injuries earlier in his career I’m told would of been a world champion for sure #rip
— anthony crolla (@ant_crolla) May 25, 2018
So sad to hear of the passing of Dean Francis my thought and prayers are with his family at this tough time 🙏🙏
— Enzo Maccarinelli (@theRealEnzoMac) May 25, 2018
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