Julius Francis was told there was 'no need' after he flattened the man at BoxPark in Wembley
A video has gone viral showing former British boxer Julius Francis ending an altercation with a devastating punch that left a man knocked out on the pavement.
The incident, which took place at BoxPark in Wembley, began as an altercation between a group of men, with one telling a man, "I hope you have a heart attack you fat ****" as he became increasingly irate.
Security then moved in to try and usher the man outside the shop barriers, but he continued to hurl abuse.
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After taking a swing at another bystander, the aggravated man turns and squares up to Francis, who flattens him with a single punch.
The man is then put in the recovery position as onlookers can be heard saying, "there was no need".
It is not known if the punched man suffered any lasting injury.
Video of the incident has been viewed over 8m times.
The Met Police said it is aware of the footage and is investigating "the circumstances, including to establish the identity and welfare of those involved, is under way. "There have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing".
Boxpark CEO Roger Wade said man who was punched had been part of a group who had been "abusing, spitting and hitting customers and staff". He added that Francis is "one of the nicest people" he had ever met and stood behind his actions.
A spokesperson for BoxPark added: "Our team are aware of footage being shared online.
"This incident is currently under review and part of an ongoing police investigation, and therefore we are unable to comment further on the incident at this time. "
We would like to stress that the safety and welfare of our customers and our staff is our number one priority."
Francis won 23 of his 48 bouts and lost in the second round to boxing legend
Mike Tyson in 2000 in Manchester.
The now 57-year-old won heavyweights belts during his career, including the Commonwealth and British title and last boxed in 2006.
The Sun noted that, in 2009, Francis was ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £200 compensation to his victim after a road rage incident which saw him punch a car window, spraying the driver with glass.
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