Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather recently found himself harassed by an antisemitic crowd while shopping in London’s Hatton Gardens.
The retired champion and his entourage were allegedly confronted by a discontented group angered over his continuous public support of Israel, according to various reports.
Social media platforms exploded with videos of Mayweather surrounded by an increasingly agitated crowd as he ventured into the busy streets.
The group was seen hurling curses at the former athlete while his bodyguards worked frantically to shield him and escort him into a black SUV safely.
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Reports suggest that tensions escalated when someone confronted Mayweather about his stance on Israel during his shopping trip.
A witness told The Sun that Mayweather doubled down on his position, which allegedly led to someone attempting to physically strike him.
“Floyd took a few hits during it, but his security was trying to push people back,” the source explained.
Floyd Mayweather chased out of Hatton Gardens in London. The public are angry over his comments and support for Israel. pic.twitter.com/qUSVsvsE9j
— Tam Khan (@Tam_Khan) December 10, 2024
However, Mayweather firmly denied the claims in a statement shared on Instagram, where he was quick to address the swirling rumors.
“Let me set the record straight… there’s no truth to the rumors going around. I wasn’t punched or touched in any way,” he wrote.
“What you’re seeing is just my security doing their job to keep things under control.”
Mayweather elaborated further, clarifying the purpose of his UK visit, stating, “I was in the UK for a quick 48-hour stop to do some shopping, and unfortunately, people let jealousy and negativity fuel false stories. I’m perfectly fine, and there’s really nothing more to it.”
The incident comes shortly after Mayweather launched the “Mayweather Israel Initiative,” a project focused on aiding children left orphaned in Israel.
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Sharing details about the campaign, Mayweather wrote on Instagram, “Over the next year, every orphan in Israel will be visited by the Floyd Mobile and receive special birthday gifts.”
“To all the widows and orphans—keep your heads held high as we honor the cherished memories of those who have passed,” he added.
The former boxer has been vocal and steadfast in his support for Israel. When Hamas launched attacks on Israel on October 7, Mayweather responded by sending immediate aid via a private jet loaded with 5,000 pounds of essential supplies, including bulletproof vests, food, and water intended for Israeli civilians.
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“I stand with Israel against the Hamas terrorists. Hamas do not represent the people of Palestine but are a terrorist group that are attacking innocent lives!” Mayweather stated in a passionate Instagram post, alongside an image of himself in Jerusalem.
“I stand for all humans and wish for the safe return of all Americans and Israelis and any human that were kidnapped as hostages during these horrific war crimes.”
He also condemned hatred in a subsequent post that read, “I stand with Israel and Jews all around the world. I condemn antisemitism at all costs. I stand for Peace. I stand for Human Rights! Terrorism Is Never The Answer.”
Earlier this year in March, he paid a visit to the country, meeting soldiers, emergency responders, and civilians.
During that trip, he also spent time with members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), hosting a barbecue at a military base to show his support.
Mayweather has made three additional trips to Israel since those initial attacks, including one this October.
“It feels like home away from home,” he told reporters upon arriving at Ben Gurion Airport.
“Actions speak louder than words, and I’m here to support in every way I can,” Mayweather declared to the press on his arrival.
One of his first stops on that trip was the Belev Echad rehabilitation center, which cares for soldiers wounded in Gaza.
While addressing the recuperating soldiers, Mayweather praised their courage, saying, “I’m happy to be here. I see so many bright faces, so many beautiful people. You guys are brave warriors.”
“I take my hat off to everyone in here that goes on that battlefield—everyone who came through in your job, just like I come through in my job,” he added.
Floyd mayweather Taking a photo with IDF soldiers at the Western wall in Jerusalem 💙🔥💙 pic.twitter.com/oqA7dqUOfM
— Yossi Farro (@FarroYossi) October 29, 2024
He told them that they were “team players” and he was “proud” the wounded soldiers for their service.
“Hold your head up high. And just know, every day is a blessing. We can’t take nothing for granted. You guys are true heroes. You guys are warriors,” the former boxer continued. “And I’m behind you guys 100 percent. I’ll be back because you guys have my support.”
Mayweather’s contributions don’t stop at symbolic gestures. Recently, he donated 1,000 bulletproof vests, a move made possible through a $100,000 donation, to Israeli emergency responders.
The vests are designed to protect these first responders rushing to aid civilians in areas frequently struck by missiles launched by groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas.