Mike Tyson's former rival, Julius Francis, will not face police action after knocking out a rowdy customer at the weekend.
Francis - who once shared the ring with legendary heavyweight Tyson in 2000 - was pictured in an aggressive confrontation with a heckling customer in a clip that went viral on social media. He was initially not involved with the angry punter but promptly used his famed punching power to deal with the difficult individual.
The Metropolitan Police initially released a statement confirming they were investigating the incident, which read: “Police are aware of footage circulating on social media showing an incident involving security staff and a member of the public outside BOXPARK in Wembley. An investigation into the circumstances, including to establish the identity and welfare of those involved, is under way. There have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.”
WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE
The Met Police subsequently updated their statement on Wednesday and it now reads: “The incident took place shortly after 17.00hrs on Saturday 11 June. Officers were called and attended the venue. A group had been ejected and one male customer had become involved in a confrontation with security staff.
“Officers have spoken to all parties involved and have reviewed relevant CCTV. No further action will be taken in relation to the incident involving the security guard and male customer.”
Footage shared on social media displayed a group of people arguing with a body guard on the door at the London venue with Francis visible in the periphery. The former boxer then bursts onto the scene to help deal with the situation, landing a booming right hand which left the heckling customer out cold on the floor.
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Francis then turns and backs away from the incident before the customer's friends promptly check on the knocked-out man, who is lying motionless on the ground. He is then put in the recovery position with someone heard uttering: "There was no need, there was no need."
Boxpark founder Roger Wade will no doubt be delighted with the police's decision to take no further action, having come out and backed the former heavyweight. "I woke up to a viral story about one of our security team. Julius Francis is the ex-UK heavyweight boxing champion, he is one of the nicest people I have ever met and helps train young underprivileged kids boxing in his spare time," he said in a statement.
"My understanding is that Julius and our security team spent 15 minutes stopping this man and his friends from abusing, spitting and hitting our customers and staff. They carefully escorted him from the premises under constant provocation and violence.
"Finally the person approached Julius in a confrontational manner and he defended himself. Acts of violence or abuse to any staff members should never be tolerated. How would you react if someone approached you violently? What would you do next if you were in my shoes? #IstandwithJulius."
