FORMER European champion Dean Francis has died, aged 44, after a brave battle with cancer.

Francis, regarded by boxing legend Joe Calzaghe as the best British fighter never to have won a world title, passed away this morning.

PA:Press Association Dean Francis in his pomp was one of the best British fighters of his generation and was crowned European super-middleweight champion

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn said: “My family and all at Matchroom send our deepest condolences to the family of Dean Francis, a great fighter and a lovely man.”

The Basingstoke-born fighter won the European super-middleweight title in 1997 when he knocked out Frenchman Frederic Seillier at the London Arena.

But Francis suffered a serious shoulder injury soon after and failed to win the world title many expected him to – although he did make the step up to cruiserweight where he also won the European title.

He was given a devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer in January 2017, when specialists told him he only had three-six months to live.

PA:Press Association Francis knocked out Frederic Seillier to win the European super-middleweight title in 1997

The recently retired fighter refused to let his illness get the better of him, and used his plight to inspire others suffering with cancer.

With wife Ghalia, they set about using his profile to raise thousands of pounds for charities with a series of gala dinners attending by some of the biggest names in British boxing.

BOXING MOURNS Brendan Ingle, trainer of Prince Naseem Hamed, dies aged 77

They also set up boxing gyms across Bristol to help give expert training to youngsters in the sport, giving up their time free of charge so long as those attending to agree to contribute to whatever charity they chose.

The couple were able to celebrate Christmas together with their son Rocco – something they thought was not possible when he wad first diagnosed.