Bloke who Mike Tyson pummelled on airplane demands £356,000 from boxing legend

Boxing legend Mike Tyson's lawyer has assured 'there will be no shakedown' as Melvin Townsend attempts to sue his client for an altercation on a JetBlue flight last year.

The Daily Mail report Townsend is seeking £356,000 ($450,000) in damages after footage emerged of him being pummelled by the former world heavyweight champion on April 20, 2022. Townsend – who has had two stints in prison and been described as a 'criminal fraudster' – was seen harassing Tyson from the row behind before eventually pushing the 57-year-old past his limit.

Celebrity lawyer Alex Spiro – who is defending Tyson – received a letter from Townsend's representative, Jake Jondle, detailing their terms. It read: "If we are unable to reach an agreement, we will continue to prepare Mr. Townsend's case for the filing of a lawsuit."

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However, Tyson's team have issued a swift response asserting their confidence over the matter, which may suggest the matter will indeed go to court. It's alleged Townsend – who was 36 at the time of the incident – threw a water bottle at Tyson just prior to the veteran fighter unloading a flurry of punches.

"I have received a shakedown letter related to some instigator's harassment of Mike a year ago and the aftermath," said Spiro in response to Jondle's communication. "There will be no shakedown payment."

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Jondle's letter asserted his client and Tyson initially engaged in friendly chatter, talking about the retired star's involvement in the 'marijuana industry and psychedelic mushrooms'. Townsend has denied ever throwing a water bottle at 'Iron Mike'.

The accuser also lists a number of medical complaints he's suffered as a result of the incident, which include 'pain in his head and neck, a loss of consciousness, concussion, a contusion on the head, nausea, headaches, depression, memory issues, sleep issues, mood disturbances, vertigo, and compromised vision'.

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"There were several remedies available to Mr. Tyson, but he chose violence," Jondle's letter continued. Tyson has previously commented he 'was wrong' for his reaction – which 'should never have happened' – but added he was "irritated, tired, high, and p****d off."

The former undisputed world heavyweight champion was previously imprisoned in 1992 after being convicted for the rape of 18-year-old Desiree Washington. He was sentenced to six years but was paroled after serving fewer than three, going on to regain both the WBC and WBA heavyweight titles.

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