A Bristol boxer is dedicating his career to the life of his mentor – the late former British and European champion Dean Francis.

Francis, who died of cancer in May 2018, supported Omar McKayle in his career from amateur to becoming professional. Nicknamed ‘Star’ Francis wanted his name put on the back of the heavy weight fighter’s shorts as a gesture of their friendship.

McKayle is fighting on Saturday at the Winter Gardens in Weston Super-Mare. It is on the undercard for the Duane Winters and Tom McGinley southern area title fight.

Omar McKayle training with Dean Francis

McKayle, who is one few professional heavyweights to emerge from Bristol, trains at Paddy Johns gym under Andy O’Kane. He was very close to Francis, and feels his guiding hand. He said : “Dean trained me from day dot. He convinced me that this is what I should do. I feel like he is pushing me every step of the way.”

During the latter days of Francis’ treatment McKayle was ever present at his side throughout hospital and on release home, and to this day is inspired by him. He explains: “Every fight is a fight is in honour to Dean. He invested a lot of time in me and my future, so I owe him to succeed.”

Omar McKayle training with Dean Francis

Growing up in St Pauls wasn’t easy for McKayle and he was a late developer into boxing. He first entered a boxing gym aged 23, and, in time, would fight as an amateur out of Empire, and then eventually turning professional 10 years later at 32. By his own admission it was a rocky road, and  Francis helped focus his energies. He explained : “I was raw, I was edgy, I was from the street. Life was hard. But he believed in me and invested so much time. To get that from a guy that I idolised watching in title fights on the TV as a kid, just meant so much.”

At amateur McKayle fought 11 times, with 9 wins, and admits if things outside the ring didn’t distract him, he could have fought more. Turning professional last year, winning his debut fight, he feels the professional game suits his style. He said : “I believe the pro game is ideal for me. I am a big heavyweight. A big puncher, and can take people down.’

Since working with Andy O’Kane he has, however, refined and sharpened his style. He explains: “Andy has taught me to box more, to dominate opponents. To hit big, but also to get some rounds in. Tactically. And also to put on a show.”

Omar McKayle with Paddy Johns gym owner and trainer Andy O'Kane

Sharing a gym at Paddy Johns with the likes of current European super-lightweight champion Joe Hughes also helps. “Joe is brilliant, he is like the leader of our camp, and him being there lifts everyone. An inspiration to all the rest of us. I feel very fortunate:” he said.

Alongside training at Paddy Johns gym, he does strength and conditioning training with Back2Action, and its performance coach Rayan Wilson, who has worked with some of the leading athletes from the city including Bobby Reid and Joe Bryan. For McKayle this is important physically, but also mentally. “ Rayan has helped get my mind focused, to think like a professional. Given me drive and determination: “ he explained.

The target for McKaye is ambitious, particularly for one so new to the professional game. He believes he can challenge one day for a domestic title, and hopes to become in his own words ‘Bristol’s most successful heavyweight.’

His fight on Saturday February 23 is against southpaw Chris Healey who has won 7, and lost 4 of his previous fights. McKayle is confident. He said : “I am entering my prime, and intend to get the job done. I am very confident. Training has been great, and am ready.” 

Omar McKayle is fighting on Saturday 22 February

If he pulls off a victory, it will be a stepping stone to his next challenge, and who knows how far he could go.

One thing is certain, if he’s even a quarter as good as his mentor Francis was, arguably the most talented fighter this city has ever produced, then success will no doubt follow.