Boxing: Francis lands European title chance

Julius Francis is poised to land another surprise shot at the European heavyweight title. Peacock Promotions, acting for Francis, yesterday confirmed that they have verbally agreed terms with the German promoters, Universum, for a crack at champion Sinan Samil Sam.

The Turk, who is based in Germany, beat Francis' former domestic rival Danny Williams in Berlin last month and contracts are expected to be formally completed shortly for a 26 April date in Germany.

The 38-year-old's latest unlikely resurrection will be complete if he can wrest the continental crown from the heavy-punching Samil Sam, who taught Williams a harsh lesson. But Francis will go into the fight full of confidence after quashing rumours of his imminent retirement with a fifth-round stoppage win over the previously unbeaten Steffen Nielsen in September.

Francis had been due for a rematch against Nielsen before he was given his second chance to challenge for a title he missed out on against Zeljko Mavrovic six years ago.

"I've got my chance against Sam and I will go out and do what Danny Williams failed to do," Francis said. "I have got to go out and do a job on Sam to prove my standing and my worth to boxing. I am surprised people think I am going to retire. I have no real intention of retiring. I think I've still got so much to achieve before retirement."