The former heavyweight champion boxed a who's who of stars, from Mike Tyson to Vitali Klitschko and John Ruiz to Zejko Mavrovic, London's Francis was either linked to fighting them (George Foreman in Vegas, Herbie Hide and David Tua), sparred them or he boxed them.



His colourful life saw him grow up in foster care before serving several spells in prison and living life on the wrong side of the tracks. But boxing steered him away from that, and this story charts his incredible journey, his life in and out of the ring, boxing in a Russian circus, the current heavyweight scene and that infamous Boxpark knockout.

Season 5: #46 Julius Francis

Revealing, in-depth interviews from around the boxing world by Tris Dixon, the former editor of Boxing News, and boxing author who is an elector for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, on The Ring Ratings panel and who was inducted into the British Boxing Hall of Fame in 2023.

Sports

The Welsh Dragon, Joe Calzaghe, one of the great fighters of the modern era and one of the finest ever fighters from Britain, reflects on his incredible Hall of Fame career, and Calzaghe brings the curtain down on Boxing Life Stories. For now.



Joe talks about his dad's tea – with lumpy milk – that raised the eyebrows of the travelling HBO crew, why Joe 'The Cat' Calzaghe never happened, how nervous he was for Strictly Come Dancing, life as an introvert, the loss of his parents and his legacy. He talks about the challenges that sportsmen face in retirement and becoming a father again, to another son, called Enzo.



Intro – 0.00-4.08 

Calzaghe interview – 4.08-1.39.02

Closing thoughts – 1.39.02-1.45.41

Reflections on Boxing Life Stories with Lee Blasdale (Hanson Lee Resourcing) and Derek Andrews (Delco Safety Compliance) 1.45.42-2.49.10 

Sign off – 2.49.10

Season 5: #50 Joe Calzaghe

Irish amateur standout Eric Donovan was close to boxing at the London Olympics in 2012 but instead was headed to rehab.



Now, following a long journey into recovery, Donovan is a retired professional with an incredible story to tell.



Donovan is a father, counsellor, trainer and husband, and he is the voice of wisdom and an engaging talker, whose incredible story – which, in professional boxing terms went against the grain and ended on a high – is about a man who is likely going to inspire future generations of Irish fighters.



The 10th round Eric refers to in this podcast against El Hadri – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMoRVMQg4vE


Season 5: #49 Eric Donovan

Former European champion and world title contender Jim McDonnell talks about the big fights, against the likes of Azumah Nelson, Barry McGuigan and Brian Mitchell, the devastating knockout loss to Kenny Vice, being part of the famous Royal Oak stable and becoming a top trainer, working with the likes of James DeGale and Danny Williams.



Jimmy Mac, as he known in boxing, was a ferocious trainer, and he talks about his drive, wanting to be like Alan Ball on the football pitch, running sub-three hour marathons, his rise up through the ranks and why the final loss of his career, which came in Slovakia and against the advice of the British Boxing Board of Control, was one of the best things he has ever done.

Season 5: #48 Jim McDonnell

'Sweet D' Derek Williams reflects on an incredible career that saw him win Commonwealth and European titles, while fighting the likes of Lennox Lewis, Bert Cooper, Jose Ribalta, David Bey, Hughroy Currie and Jimmy Thunder.



Williams also travelled the US, taking dangerous fights and sparring some of the biggest names, including Gerry Cooney and Mike Tyson. 



Now a columnist for Boxing News, Williams also looks after the youth in London, helping them by allowing them to benefit from his amazing experiences.  

Season 5: #46 Julius Francis

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