BoxRec

Francis got a really satisfying win last Friday, knocking out Oakey in a superb light heavyweight bout. Injury may have stopped Deano fulfilling his world class ambitions - ten years ago, at super middleweight - but he's carved his way back, bit-by-bit, winning Commonwealth and now British titles at 175-pounds, by knockout.

Showed fine skills, great heart and massive concentration to chop Oakey down. With two titles to defend, one of our best talents can - unexpectedly - have a nice little run.

Certainly makes the posters who said "He's going nowhere" following the dull win over Gbenga look a bit daft.

But: who to fight?

So many horrible styles about. Barney and Magee - clever counter punchers who are in a lot of bad fights. I suppose Francis-Barney has the revenge angle. At European level, the champ Barashian is vacating to fight for the WBA title. Guess who the #1 contender is for the EBU title - 6' 5 southpaw Stipe Drews.

Perhaps there's an aggressive Brit out there to fight, like Steve Spartacus? Or maybe a tough Aussie that can gun for the Commonwealth belt? A revenge fight with Ballogou maybe, the 1st guy to beat Francis (and the only to beat a 2-handed, if inexperienced & possibly ill-prepared, Francis)?

Can't see it happening, but would love to see Woods vs Francis - think it would be a cracking match-up. If Clinton's serious about continuing though I'm sure they'll choose an easier first fight back for him.

I think that would've been a tasty fight for Francis - while Clinton had his IBF title.

Now ppl just think Clinton's a big, slow lump, after the Tarver fight.

I could see Francis v Woods for the European, but that horirble 6'5 lefty Drews is the mandatory.

Who are the top contenders for the British and Commonwealth?

What will Frank W do with him - promote Francis vs obscure Africans far down the bill (ala Gbenga), get him good British opponents, get him an unlikely world title shot, or allow him to fight on shows promoted by the opposition (like last Friday)?

Oakey rematch?

I don't know where he is going to be honest, as exciting as his fight was against Oakey, it kinda shows the level Francis is at.

I wouldn't be surprised at an Oakey rematch to be honest or more likely a Magee fight.

It's a good level to be at, after 3 shoulder operations, and 2 massive layoffs (2 yrs & 3 /1/2 years). To be knocking out hard bastards like Oakey (never stopped) and McKenzie (who had Denis Inkin down) is quite an achievement. You make it sound like something to be ashamed of, TT!

I think Dean's skills are well above British level - his left hand is world class - but obviously he's nowhere near as fast as he used to be & takes on naturally bigger men these days. Excellent fighter though, and he's come good again. I've not ever enjoyed a Sky Friday Fight Night more than Francis-Oakey, ever. If there are going to be more fights like this, cool.

It's been quite a career, IMO. Early scare getting stopped by Ballogou as a ten fight novice. Moving on to British and Commonwealth titles and becoming a world class contender then having the injury before even reaching his prime. The bad luck and the setbacks and the layoffs. Coming back to beat cruiserweights, having his shoulder popped back in between rounds vs Tommy Eastwood, winning the Commonwealth and British titles at light heavy and the great fight vs Oakey. Riveting stuff. What a warrior. This guy is easily my fave British fighter ever.

That's a little harsh Auto, I think he did great in the Oakey fight, but putting a level head on things, he was literally fighting for his future.

The cold reality is that Oakey is no more than British level, and I feel it's probably the same for Francis. It'd be great to see him push on further, but personally I can't see it.

However, a match with Woods would be interesting -After seeing Woods getting schooled by an average Tarver, you'd have to fancy Francis having a decent shout at bringing his boxing ability into play and giving Woods the same sort of problems.

Who knows what Woods has left.

Do you guys think if Dean improved his stamina it would help, or do you think the fast pace of the fight got to him based on lack of fights?

I just hope there's good fights at British level. Magee and Barney are boring, I hate to say. Bring on someone like Spartacus. IMO this is a great place for Francis to have his last fights. There must be a real sense of personal achievement for him.

Euro level would be good, if there weren't such horirble stylists around like Drews. Too late for world class, definitely, because he was getting to world class in 97/98. The whole weight is filled with southpaws and weirdo stylists, from domestic up to world class these days. What an ugly division.

How about gunning for the British cruiserweight title? Francis was English champ, beat Bonson, Eastwood and stopped Rasani twice...

Do you guys think if Dean improved his stamina it would help, or do you think the fast pace of the fight got to him based on lack of fights?

I think he's a fit bloke who seems to stay in shape between fights. Probably wasn't used to the pace. Took a few rds to get used to it. In his peak he would start razor sharp, ease off for a few rds (sort of like Haye) and then pick things up, usually forcing a stoppage when he got his 2nd wind.

Why did I think Stipe Drews was an Aussie?!?! I couldn't understand why you mentioned him for EBU. Then I checked.

Yeah, he lost there twice, I think, vs Briggs and Green.

Anyway, Francis has done well for a bulked up super middleweight who's had a combined 5 years off from injury/prison. Effing well, if you ask me.

Hope he doesn't end up fighting the Mike Gbengas of the world far down the card on Sports Network shows.

Winning his Lonsdale outright and a Euro shot would be good for him.

Years ago when the WBC super middle belt was constantly changing champs he might of had a chance of a title back then but no he has the shoulder problems.

Clinton Woods would be alright for both men - it's Francis' big chance and Woods' comeback fight.

Max Molyneux wrote:Winning his Lonsdale outright and a Euro shot would be good for him.

Years ago when the WBC super middle belt was constantly changing champs he might of had a chance of a title back then but no he has the shoulder problems.

Good point. The British fight with Oakey has ben the most satisfying of his comeback fights. So the British route looks good. Depends what Warren wants to do, I suppose.

He could defend vs guys like Spartacus, Barney (revenge) and Magee to keep the Lonsdale belt. Maybe he could try and repeat the trick up at cruiser - that would be an achievement.

Can't think of any good Commonwealth challengers at 175. Wonder if he'll dump that belt.

Euro shot's a bit tricky for the moment. Drews being the mandatory, based in Germany, with a powerful promoter, not to mention being a southpaw, who stands about 6'5 tall.

Dioufy wrote:Clinton Woods would be alright for both men - it's Francis' big chance and Woods' comeback fight.

I think Francis had his eye on it - but that was when Woods had the IBF title. Now it would be the same risk, with none of the reward. No title, and nowhere near as much money.

If that doesn't happen, I still feel Francis has places to go, like Barney, Cleverly (nah, I am dreaming here), Johnson, Bruwer, Erdei, Muriqi, Branco, or/and a few more domestic fighters.