George Francis (trainer)
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George Albert Francis[1] (1928–3[2] or 4[1] April 2002[3][4]), known professionally as George Francis, was a British boxing athletic trainer who trained world champion boxers such as Frank Bruno,[3][5] John Conteh,[6][3][5] John Mugabi, and Cornelius Boza-Edwards, and European champion Bunny Sterling,[3] who also became the first West Caribbean boxer to claim a British title, fighting under Francis' tutelage.
Biography
George Francis was born in
Francis was known for making his boxers run on Hampstead Heath and swim in the cold water of Highgate Men's Pond as part of their training.[8][4][7]
After Paul McCartney visited Francis's gym to watch Conteh train, McCartney employed Francis's son Michael as a bodyguard.[9]
Death
Francis was found hanged at his home in Hillway, Highgate, apparently having committed suicide[6][7] on 3[2] or 4[1] April 2002. He was 73.[6] His death followed a period of severe depression[10] that occurred after the deaths of both his wife, Joan, and his son, Simon.[6][3][4]
References
- ^ ISBN 0743239040.
- ^ ISBN 0743239040.
- ^ a b c d e Rawling, John (10 April 2002). "Obituary: George Francis". the Guardian.
- ^ a b c d Mee, Bob (8 April 2002). "Tributes to Francis, a 'solid guy' and the stuff of legend" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
- ^ a b Rawling, John (9 April 2002). "George Francis mourned by lords of the ring". the Guardian.
- ^ Independent.co.uk. 10 June 2002.
- ^ a b c d "George Francis found dead". 9 April 2002 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
- Independent.co.uk. 21 November 1999.
- ^ Brown, Mick (2 September 2003). "Kiss and Cher: the minder reveals all" – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
- ISBN 0743239040.
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