YouTuber in big fight ring prank
OFFICIALS at the Principality Stadium are investigating after a man filmed himself apparently getting into the ring with Anthony Joshua during the boxer’s fight in Cardiff – despite having no ticket to get into the venue.
More than 80,000 fans bought tickets to watch Joshua’s bout against Joseph Parker on Saturday night, with prices ranging from £40 to £2,000.
But YouTuber Zac Alsop claims he managed to get in to the sell-out event for free, even getting into the ring as Joshua celebrated his WBO world heavyweight title win.
In a video posted to his YouTube page, Alsop shows every step of how he plotted and carried out the stunt – and just how easy it was for him to gain access.
He declined to answer specific questions when we spoke to him but said “everything in the vid is exactly as it happened”.
A video diary of his day shows Alsop printing a ring-side security pass from his computer at home, before laminating it and attaching a lanyard.
He then films himself making his way to the Principality Stadium, where he appears to dodge various security guards and make his way, seemingly unquestioned, around various sections of the stadium concourse and seating – including the press area.
He then manoeuvres his way to the ringside area, before brazenly making his way into the ring at the end of the fight.
At the end of the video, Alsop laughs and says: “Well done Principality Stadium, please don’t ban me. If you want me to come in and have a chat, I’m more than happy to do so. “I don’t recommend anyone try that. I’m pretty certain I’m going to be banned from most UK arenas now, but it was a good night, got in the ring with AJ.”
A spokesman for the Principality Stadium criticised Alsop’s actions and say he was searched upon entry by stadium staff.
He added: “We strongly condemn this sort of irresponsible behaviour, particularly in light of increased security measures around sporting events in general.
“The individual concerned was searched on entry to the stadium as part of our security measures, which apply to ticket holders and event staff alike. In conjunction with all event promoters, we will be investigating the process around the issuing and management of credentials for third party events at the stadium.”
Steve Park, an international security analyst who has worked on events including the London 2012 Olympic Games, said it looked like a “relatively serious breach of security”.
He said:“If it was me in charge of this event, I’d be wanting to take charge of who gets ringside, who gets through security, rather than just relying on the buildings security.”
He added: “They should be looking out for fake IDs and suspicious behaviour.
“To get that close at a boxing match, it’s something people should be checking and giving extra time to.
“If this did happen, it’s a relatively serious breach of security.”
A spokesman for Matchroom Boxing, which promoted and hosted the event, said it would not be commenting on the incident.