Could Julius Francis have achieved more in his career? I just watched a couple of his fights, and when in shape, he had some things working for him that make me think that he could have potentially gone further than he did. Where did it go wrong with Julius, or did he simply reach his full potential and that was it?
I don't have a good answer but it was a decent and fun era in British heavyweight boxing with Francis, Harrison, Skelton, Williams, and Sprott all fighting and beating each other. Maybe he just had trouble breaking away from a pack that had a lot of parity?
He reached his full potential. He wasn’t the greatest boxer but Francis wasn’t afraid to fight anyone. Still remember when The Mirror newspaper advertised on the bottom of his boots when he fought Tyson!
About the same ability as Journeyman Joshua but he had no Eddie Hearn behind him to make huge loot or vacant titles fighting Charles Martin types around in those days. Charles Martin would not have won a British Title in that era.
You’re a forum legend @Beale and I’m not a Joshua fan but come on, AJ is levels above the Francis, Williams, Skeltons and Sprotts. None of those guys beat the versions of Klitschko, Parker or Povetkin that he did. If we see a Joshua 3.0 that beats Dubois I’ll elevate him slightly higher but right now, I’d put him somewhere between Hide and Bruno.
Not convinced he is any better than the best version of Danny Williams but yes Herbie Hide is a good comparison. Don't think he would have enjoyed fighting Matt Skelton either in his best days.
I’m a Joshua fan but like @Beale said above me, Joshua isn’t any better than the best version of Danny Williams. When Danny turned up he was a problem for any heavyweight.
Great guy was Danny and I feel we never seen his full potential in the ring. The Vitali fight was a sickener but prime Vitali would destroy nearly every boxer. Very sad to see him fighting long past his sell by date.
Mate i agree 100%. Danny fought Vitali when Vitali was in his prime, i believe Klitschko would have beaten anyone that night. But yet again Danny showed so much heart, he kept getting back to his feet. Breaks my heart seeing Danny fighting way past his best, and you definitely correct in saying we never saw his full potential in the ring. Honestly Beale i feel he could of been one of Britain’s best heavyweights but it just wasn’t meant to be.
It was a **** poor era of domestic heavyweights is what I remember. Francis was a slow plodder, tough but nothing special. He probably wouldn't be top 10 in the current domestic scene.