Tyson Fury has jumped to the defence of ex-British heavyweight champion, Julius Francis, after the 57-year-old knocked out a man outside BOXPARK at Wembley Stadium.
In his prime, the London-born heavyweight fought a plethora of elite-level fighters. He set foot in the ring with Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko and overcame fellow Brit, Danny Williams. But it seems, even in retirement, he packs a serious punch.
Francis, who now works as a security guard, went viral this week for landing a blow reminiscent of the ones he unleashed at the peak of his powers.
The clip shows a man in a blue durag squaring up to a group of men outside the venue. The argument began to escalate and spilt out into the street. The former boxer attempted to defuse the situation when the man in the durag, who had thrown punches at the group, aggressively approached him.
Francis, clearly feeling the threat of a potential attack, unloaded a brutal right hand which sent the man crashing towards the canvas.
He lay unconscious, as those nearby attempted to put him into the recovery position.
After reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to all parties involved, the police have decided to take no further action. In addition, BoxPark founder/CEO, Roger Wade, has put out a statement revealing that he is standing by his employee.
In general, Francis has received mass support from the general public. Even ‘The Gypsy King’ has defended his fellow fighter.
Tyson Fury shows support to Julius Francis
In an interview with Piers Morgan on ‘Piers Uncensored’, the WBC World Heavyweight Champion gave his breakdown of the incident.
He said: “I saw the video, I’ve seen it. I saw the knockout. Great right hand by the way. But this is what happens when you’re cheeky, rude, getting in people’s faces, punching them, whatever.
“What do you expect? If you keep kicking a dog, it’s gonna bite you, isn’t it? These guys are there doing a job. They weren’t all on the lash together.
“These guys are doing their job. He’s attacking them or whatever, so he’s been chinned.
“It’s a life lesson, isn’t it? Never go out and be cheeky to big men because you’re probably gonna get chinned.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty
