Tributes paid at funeral of former European and British champion Dean Francis
Friday 15 June 2018 17:27, UK
Tributes were paid to Dean Francis as world champions from the past and present attended his funeral in Bristol.
The 44-year-old former European and British champion passed away after a battle with cancer last month and fellow fighters including Chris Eubank Snr, James DeGale, Glenn Catley and Lee Haskins attended the service at South Bristol Crematorium.
Francis, nicknamed 'Star', turned professional in 1994 and went on to claim British and European titles at super-middleweight.
After suffering a dislocated shoulder in 1998, Francis did not box for three-and-a-half years, but enjoyed a successful return as he took British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles before his final fight in 2014.
Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing, said: "A huge turnout of family, friends and the boxing community paid tribute to a wonderful man and a true fighter.
"We had a special relationship with Dean Francis in the early days of Sky boxing; he should have become a world champion, but moreover he was a superb guy. We will miss him dearly."
