Calzaghe deserves respect

[Shanus]

Francis was awesome, he'd of went on to beat Calzaghe IMO. Best stiff jab in European boxing (of any division), and could be devastating when he opened up.

Shame his shoulder kept ****ing up, and shame he kept getting thrown in jail.

Yeah, okay, I know him personally and see him almost every day, but he's second behind Calzaghe in that list IMHO. Gave Joe his toughest amateur fight too.

I think all the other men in the list, except maybe ashira, could have beaten Francis in the pro ring.

[GEOFFHAYES]

I think all the other men in the list, except maybe ashira, could have beaten Francis in the pro ring.

Well then your in the minority. Most would of tipped Dean to get the better of Robin and Richie back then, unless they hadn't followed Dean. Glenn was made for him, every time they sparred he struggled to get past the jab, and I know Dean would of beaten Glenn - I sparred with them both. Collins would of been a tough fight, because he was a pub brawler, crafty grafter and sloppy puncher which made him awkward.. but Dean was more refined, and a better impact fighter. Brewer and Mitchell were top American's but Dean was tops, trust me.

[GEOFFHAYES]

And Ashira?? Don't play ****** games, mate.

[GEOFFHAYES]

Here's a pretty good article: http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9807/three.htm


He's not finished yet either, I'm sparring with him all the time and his timing is still there, he knows all the tricks of the trade and has a burning desire to fight Calzaghe for the world title, if Joe beats Woods. Dean beat Tommy Eastwood with one arm for the last six rounds (ala Calzaghe-Ashira), his shoulder went again, but he's still plugging away.. he's serious about this.

[Shanus]

And Ashira?? Don't play ****** games, mate.

Jeff, read what I said.

I said 'except' Ashira.

[Shanus]

Here's a pretty good article: http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9807/three.htm


He's not finished yet either, I'm sparring with him all the time and his timing is still there, he knows all the tricks of the trade and has a burning desire to fight Calzaghe for the world title, if Joe beats Woods. Dean beat Tommy Eastwood with one arm for the last six rounds (ala Calzaghe-Ashira), his shoulder went again, but he's still plugging away.. he's serious about this.

He didn't get surgery on it when he had that lay off?

[GEOFFHAYES]

Jeff, read what I said.

I said 'except' Ashira.

I didn't list Ashira, you twat. Don't be a twat.

[Shanus]

And Ashira?? Don't play ****** games, mate.

I didn't list Ashira, you twat. Don't be a twat.

Don't hit above your weight, mate.

Anyway, my statement still stands, Francis > Ashira.

[GEOFFHAYES]

He didn't get surgery on it when he had that lay off?

Not when he was in prison. But he's always getting it seen to, but I think he's accepted that it's always going to be ****ed and always will get ****ed and so now he just wants a good four fights no matter what in '07 and grit through the pain, and hopefully fight Calzaghe or Woods in '08.

[GEOFFHAYES]

Honestly, if Dean fought David Haye right now (well, not right now, say in four weeks), it wouldn't suprise me if he beat him.