Julius Francis is the nicest man I’ve met – I stand by him, says Boxpark boss after ex-heavyweight champ KO’d customer

BOXER-turned-bouncer Julius Francis has the full backing of his employer after he KO’d a rowdy customer.

The former heavyweight champ, who once fought Mike Tyson, floored the punter outside London’s Boxpark Wembley while working as a security guard.

Footage of Saturday’s altercation, which showed a man become aggressive before being knocked to the ground, yesterday went viral.

And CEO Roger Wade has since offered his support to Francis, describing him as “one of the nicest people I have ever met”.

In a post on LinkedIn, he wrote: “Woke up to a viral story about one of our security team.

“Julius Francis, ex UK heavyweight boxing champion, is one of the nicest people I have ever met and helps train young underprivileged kids boxing in his spare time. 

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“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.

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“How would you react if someone approached you violently? What would you do next if you were in my shoes? #istandwithjulius.”

In the clip, a group of men appear to be arguing with security staff outside the popular north London food and drink venue.

One guy in particular grows irate and starts yelling “f*** you”.

But as he begins to walk towards Francis, who is seen taking steps back, the ex-fighter, who fought Tyson in 2000, lands a right hand and drops the man. 

Cops and Francis’ employer yesterday said they were investigating, but both probes have now been dropped.

Did you see what happened or do you have any info? Email alice.fuller@the-sun.co.uk

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “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.”

Professional Security, which provides bouncers at Boxpark, added: “Julius is a long standing and respected member of our team.

“We believe he acted in self defence and we’ll be offering him our full support.”

And Wade himself said in a later LinkedIn post: “I’ve been amazed by the supportive comments I have received about the Julius Francis security incident.

“It was an instinctive decision to support Julius and give him the benefit of the doubt that he felt under immediate threat and needed to defend himself. 

“Frankly, I was surprised how many people thought it was a brave decision to support Julius and not distance myself from the situation.

“In my experience, being a good CEO is not just achieving financial success, it’s about doing the right thing and creating a culture where your staff and customers respect your decisions.

“Once again thank you for your kind support. I’m truly humbled and more importantly Julius appreciated it.”

Julius Francis is one of the nicest people I have ever met.

Roger WadeBoxpark CEO

Francis, now 57, won 23 of his 48 bouts and famously lost to boxing legend Tyson in Manchester in January 2000.

The Brit managed to last until the second round against Iron Mike.

Francis also fought Vitali Klitschko, but was stopped in just two rounds during their 1998 contest.

He won heavyweight belts during his career, including the Commonwealth and British title.

The Londoner last boxed in 2006 and, after retiring, started a fitness company while working as a security guard.  

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In 2009, Francis was sentenced after a road-rage attack saw him punch a car window, spraying the driver with glass.

It caused the motorist minor injuries to his face, and Francis – who later apologised – was ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £200 compensation to his victim.

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk