Sunday, December 22, 2024

Moment Floyd Mayweather is attacked by mob in ‘row over Israel-Palestine’

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BOXING legend Floyd Mayweather was attacked in the street while he was shopping in Central London.

It comes amid fears the undefeated ex-champion – nicknamed “Money” – was targeted over his support for Israel.

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Floyd Mayweather gets into an altercation at Hatton Garden tonight
The former boxing champ was clearly angered at events that had unfolded

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The former boxing champ was clearly angered at events that had unfolded
Earlier Mayweather was seen browsing in shops

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Earlier Mayweather was seen browsing in shops
Mayweather and his team then got in their car and left

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Mayweather and his team then got in their car and left

A mob descended on the star and his entourage as the bling-loving king of the ring went shopping in posh Hatton Garden.

Mayweather, who was dressed in a green jacket, looked angry as he and his security were followed in the capital.

The 47-year-old was confronted by a mob as his bodyguards bundled him out of a top jewellery store and into a waiting black 4×4.

A source close to Mayweather insisted that at no point during the chaos was the fighter touched.

They added “the crowd used racial slurs” towards him.

Mayweather has since posted on Instagram saying he “wasn’t punched or touched in any way”, adding: “What you’re seeing is just my security doing their job to keep things under control.”

He said: “I was in the UK for a quick 48-hour stop to do some shopping… I’m perfectly fine, and there’s nothing more to it.”

One witness, who declined to be named, filmed the incident after it spiralled out of the store and into the street.

He told The Sun: “There were maybe about eight to ten people involved in going after him, and about 20 or 25 watching on.

“Mayweather’s security team were outnumbered.

“Someone said that Mayweather had been shopping when he was asked why he supported Israel. He doubled down and said he was proud to support the Jews.

Floyd Mayweather, 47, flashes wads of cash before flying out to exhibition fight against John Gotti III on private jet

“Then someone took a swing at him because of that. It looked very targeted.

“He was bundled out of the shop but by then there were multiple people trying to hit him, and pushing his security guards.”

The eyewitness continued: “Floyd took a few hits during it, but his security was trying to push people back.

“I couldn’t really see Floyd trying to throw any punches back. His guards were just trying to get distance between him and them.

“They got him into a car and tapped the roof two times, then it sped off. Clearly they were desperate to get him out of there.

“It was over within two minutes.”

It is feared Mayweather was targeted by pro-Gaza supporters over his staunch backing of Israel.

The attack came days after the boxer launched the Mayweather Israel Initiative, which he says will give every orphan in Israel a free birthday present.

Mayweather has also visited the Middle East and in October branded Israel his “home away from home”.

In one of the videos a man can be heard saying: “You’re not gonna believe this man.

Money Mayweather just got punched up bro.”

Mayweather appeared to be followed by a group of men as he and his security team walked towards a black car.

With tensions rising, the ex-boxing champion then got into his car as they drove off amid ugly scenes.

In another video, Mayweather was seen browsing in a store with expensive watches and jewellery on show.

A witness said: “Mayweather was window shopping with his entourage.

“One of the most high-profile boxers in the world walks in with a bright green Louis Vuitton jacket, so he wanted to be seen.

“The market is predominantly Asian people. One of them shouted, ‘He supports genocide’, and then a lot of the other jewellers got involved.

“There was a massive argument going on. People were pushing trying to get him and slap his head. All these macho men were trying to fight him.

“They ran him out  and his security was pushing him trying to get him away. They were getting punched. He got rushed away in his Rolls-Royce. There were drinks thrown at him as he drove off.

“He didn’t say much when he was getting accused of genocide. He was like, ‘Let’s get the f*** out of here’.

“There were 20 to 30 people and ten to 15 of them were trying to rush him.”

Mayweather was one of the first major Western stars to visit Israel in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attacks last year, when 1,200 Israeli civilians were slaughtered by Islamic terrorists.

In February the boxer was confronted by a pro-Palestinian activist during a press conference in Las Vegas to launch his new vape brand.

His security team reportedly confiscated a Palestinian flag from an audience member – prompting loud chants of “Free Palestine”.

During a visit last month, Mayweather joined Israel Defense Forces troops at a military base, where he hosted a barbecue.

And he was a guest of Netanyahu, 75, at a private meeting to discuss the history of Israel.

Mayweather wrote online: “It was an honour to meet with you today.

“Your strength and courage are unmatched, and your commitment to protecting the Jewish people and citizens of Israel is truly inspiring. Keep using your voice and never back down.

“This week in Israel has been deeply emotional for me.

“Visiting injured soldiers, meeting families of fallen heroes, and connecting with the people of Israel has been a humbling experience.”

Mayweather officially retired in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor, 36, but he has continued to box in exhibitions.

The boxing legend boasts an incredible array of wealth, including the tallest commercial building in the USA as one of NINE skyscrapers that he owns.

His other business ventures also include the ownership of boxing and fitness gyms around the world, a NASCAR team and a 26,000-square-foot skate park facility.

Mayweather also has a foundation welfare cause set up since 2009 which provides a range of services such as free food and learning opportunities for youngsters.

It comes after reports the boxer splashed out more than £300million ($400m) for a set of New York apartments.

Mayweather has a vast business empire including property, cars and watches.

However, he is set to add to that empire after agreeing a mega-money deal for a block of Manhattan apartments.

Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions despite retiring

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Mayweather is still boxing in exhibitions despite retiringCredit: USA Today Sports
Mayweather and his security were pushed back by an angry mob

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Mayweather and his security were pushed back by an angry mob
Floyd Mayweather has visited Israel this year

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Floyd Mayweather has visited Israel this yearCredit: Twitter

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