Julius Francis: From Boxing Champion to Viral Security Guard Sensation
Julius Francis, the former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight boxing champion, recently made headlines after a viral video emerged of him knocking out a man while working as a security guard.
A Storied Boxing Career
Francis, a formidable force in the ring, held the British and Commonwealth Heavyweight titles from 1997 to 2001. He faced legendary opponents such as Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko, showcasing his resilience and determination. His most significant payday came in 2000 when he fought Tyson, earning £350,000.
Retirement and Return to the Ring
Francis retired from boxing in 2006 with a record of 23 wins, 24 losses, and a no contest. However, 16 years later, he demonstrated that his punching power remained intact in a viral clip.
The Viral Incident
In the video, Francis is seen confronting a man who had been verbally and physically harassing customers and staff at BOXPARK near Wembley Stadium. After the man pushed barriers to confront an individual outside and approached Francis aggressively, the former boxer responded with a devastating right hand.
Francis’s actions were met with praise and support. BOXPARK founder Roger Wade backed Francis, stating that the man had been acting abusively for 15 minutes. Former heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury also commended Francis, acknowledging his “great right hand.”
Consequences and Controversy
Despite the overwhelming support, Francis faced repercussions. Police investigated the incident but decided against taking action after reviewing CCTV footage. However, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) suspended his license to work.
Francis expressed frustration over the suspension, stating, “I can’t work at the moment, so I’m trying to get that sorted so I can get back to work as soon as possible.”
Legacy and Impact
The Julius Francis incident has sparked discussions on the role of security guards, the use of force, and the challenges faced by those working in the security industry. Francis’s extraordinary skills and quick thinking have reminded the world of his prowess as a boxer, while also highlighting the vital role played by security guards.
