Tyson avoids charges after assault

AUTHORITIES will not file criminal charges against former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson after he was recorded on video punching a passenger on a plane at San Francisco International Airport last month, prosecutors announced.

The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office said it has closed the case. The victim and Tyson both requested that charges not be filed, District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said in a statement.

The video shows Tyson leaning over the back of his seat repeatedly striking the unidentified man in the head, drawing blood.

The footage was first shared by TMZ, which said it was recorded on a Jet Blue plane bound for Florida.

Prior to the altercation, the other passenger was seen on the video standing over Tyson’s seat – waving his arms and talking animatedly while the former boxer sits quietly.

Representatives for Tyson previously said the boxer was on a flight with

“an aggressive passenger who began harassing him and threw a water bottle at him while he was in his seat”.

Attorneys for Tyson praised the district attorney’s decision in a statement on Tuesday, thanking law enforcement for their “careful, diligent and professional work”.