On December 10, 2024, famous boxing star Floyd Mayweather was right in the middle of a heated brawl while shopping in Hatton Garden, London. Known for publicly supporting Israel in this continuous Israel-Hamas war, Mayweather reportedly faced an almost violent attack from approximately 30 people, underlining the increasing polarization regarding his political attitude.
It wasn’t long before a confrontation ensued, with the flashy Mayweather-attired casually in a green jacket and camouflage trousers-being approached by members of the crowd, some of whom quizzed him about his public displays of support for Israel. According to eyewitnesses, Mayweather held his ground and, not to be outdone, explained to the crowd, “I am proud to support the Jews.” What perhaps seemed like a brave defiance from Mayweather served to only inflame the mood among the mob, and security was stretched as tensions further mounted, with one reported case of an individual trying to physically assault him.
Social media eyewitness videos showed chaotic scenes with the boxer visibly distressed as his security team scrambled to shield him. In some of the clips, Mayweather is seen shouting back at the crowd before being rushed into a blacked-out vehicle that sped off, leaving parts of his security team behind.
Well-trained security around Mayweather helped neutralize the situation as they kept him from being physically hurt and then whisked him out for safety. A number of eyewitnesses later reported that the former world champion “took a few hits” in the scuffle, but a source close to Mayweather denied the reports, insisting that the boxer was “not touched.
There has been a conflict of many testimonies in the situation, but what is clear is that there was hostility towards Mayweather based on his political stand.
Nobody is blind to Mayweather’s pro-Israel stance. Indeed, over the years, he has visited the country, supported Israeli orphans, and sent medical supplies during crises. Following the October 2023 Hamas attacks, he labeled them “terrorists attacking innocent lives.” His posts on social media have continuously stressed peace, solidarity with victims, and hoping for safety for all concerned.
The fact that Mayweather has been very vocal in his support for Israel has brought him both accolades and criticism, further polarizing the issue.
After it all went down, Mayweather took to social media to clear the air. He assured his fans that he was not hurt and expressed praise for how his security team acted so swiftly. “I wasn’t punched or touched,” he said. “My team handled the situation perfectly.” Despite this, Mayweather has not changed his stance on the issue and said he still wants peace and humanity for both sides. The event again fired up public debate over the Israel-Palestine conflict, with divided reactions online: some sympathized with Mayweather, while others lambasted him.
Eyewitness accounts explained how the mob was, “being very aggressive; using racial slurs and targeting at Mayweather their comments.” Videos show videos of the boxer’s attempts to push his entourage through the crowed while there are onlookers in shock.
