Former boxing champ embroiled in legal battle after in-flight altercation

Former professional boxer Mike Tyson is facing a £330,000 demand from Melvin Townsend, who alleges Tyson ‘viciously assaulted’ him during an altercation on a Jet Blue plane in April 2022. Despite a video capturing the incident, Tyson’s representatives dismiss Townsend’s claim as a ‘shakedown.’

The altercation, initially reported by TMZ, reveals Tyson leaning over his seat to strike Townsend. Tyson’s representatives argued that Townsend had been ‘harassing’ the sports star during the flight. Police detained two individuals believed to be involved in the incident, but no charges were filed, and the case was closed after both parties expressed a desire to avoid legal proceedings.

However, Townsend is now demanding £330,000 to cover medical and legal expenses, citing ongoing effects from the alleged assault. Tyson’s attorney, Alex Spiro, labeled the demand a ‘shakedown’ and asserted that no payment would be made.

Tyson claims that Townsend initiated the confrontation by throwing a water bottle at him before the incident. On his Hotboxin’ podcast, Tyson stated that Townsend had been ‘f**king with me.’

Townsend’s lawyer, Jake Jondle, disputes Tyson’s self-defense claims, emphasizing that Tyson admitted to the alleged attack on national television without asserting legal justification. Jondle contends that Tyson could have used non-violent means to handle the situation but instead ‘chose physical violence.’

In a pre-litigation letter, Jondle states that Townsend, an admirer of Tyson, initiated a friendly conversation about the marijuana industry and psychedelic mushrooms. However, Tyson became annoyed, leading to the alleged assault.

Townsend claims to have suffered a severe headache and neck pain, incurring significant medical costs without insurance coverage at the time. Jondle concludes that if an agreement is not reached, they will proceed with preparing Townsend’s case for a potential lawsuit.

This legal saga adds another layer to Tyson’s post-boxing endeavors, marking a turbulent chapter for the former heavyweight champion.