MANILA, Philippines – A scheduled visit by boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. to Bristol, England has reportedly been canceled amid protests by a women’s rights group based there.
According to a report by The Mirror’s Matthew Di Salvo, Fight Abuse Bristol (FAB), an independent women’s rights group, lobbied to stop Mayweather’s planned appearance at the Colston Hall in Bristol on February 2.
The Bristol stop is reportedly one of eight visits to UK cities by Mayweather as part of a “victory tour.”
Mayweather, who recently retired from boxing, is known for his involvement in several domestic violence cases, including one filed by his former wife Josie Harris for which he was convicted and imprisoned for 90 days in 2011.
"We welcome the news that the event has been cancelled,” said Julie Zerlang, one of those who protested the visit.
"Our opposition, petition and planned protest came from a place of hurt.
"A place of hurt for the many women who daily suffer domestic abuse, and for their children who are equally affected by these atrocities.
"On average, two women die at the hands of their partner here in the UK and 750,000 children witness domestic violence every year, profoundly affecting them – as was the case with Mayweather Jr.'s own children.”
"The issue is as poignant as ever, and deserves our attention."
Meanwhile, organizers for the Bristol tour claimed the protest has nothing to do with the event’s cancellation.
This is not the first time Mayweather faced problems during an overseas trip. In February last year, the boxer was denied entry to Australia after the country refused to grant him a visa due to his criminal record.
After defeating Manny Pacquiao in May last year, Mayweather fought once more, routing Andre Berto in September before announcing his retirement from the sport.