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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
John Dunne and Daniel Keane

Police drop probe over video of ex-heavyweight champion Julius Francis punching man at Wembley Boxpark

Police dropped an investigation after footage emerged of former boxer Julius Francis apparently knocking out a man while working as a security guard outside at the Boxpark venue in Wembley.

The bouncer throws a right handed punch which leaves a man crumpled on the ground in the clip widely shared on social media.

A police statement said: “We are aware of footage circulating on social media showing an incident involving security staff and a member of the public outside Boxpark in Wembley. 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.”

The man is attended to by others after being knocked to the ground (Twitter)

Boxpark said: “Out team are aware of the footage being shared online. The welfarere and safety of our staff and customers is our priority.”

A Boxpark employee said: “Julius is a lovely guy. He was here when I did my first shift he was so helpful he showed me around and was just so kind.

“He was just doing his job protecting Boxpark and staff.”

Francis, 57, was a successful boxer throughout the 1990s and 2000s and won 23 of the 48 bouts he competed in.

He competed against a number of boxing legends including Vitali Klitschko in 1998 and Mike Tyson in January 2000.

Francis was knocked down by Tyson just a minute into the second round.

The man appears to be knocked out after the blow (Twitter)

He would win just two more fights after his match with the American heavyweight legend, going on to lose 14 in a row before hanging up his gloves in 2006.

Francis went on to start a fitness company and worked as a security guard.

In 2009, he admitted criminal damage and common assault after punching a car window and spraying a driver with glass - causing minor injuries to his face.

He was ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £200 compensation to the victim, NewsShopper reported.

Francis admitted it was “very stupid of me” at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, adding: “I shouldn’t have done what I did.”

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