Melvin Townsend, the man infamously punched by Mike Tyson on an airplane in 2022, has filed a demand seeking $450,000 in compensation from the boxing legend. Video shows the intoxicated Townsend harassing Tyson, who tried ignoring him before snapping and hitting him.
Though Tyson faced no criminal charges, Townsend's lawyer sent a letter threatening to sue if Tyson does not pay up. Tyson's attorney dismissed it as a "shakedown letter" and said there will be no payment.
In a past interview, Tyson voiced regret, saying he was "irritated, tired, high, pissed off" but that the violent outburst "never should've happened." However, he will apparently not submit to what he sees as an opportunistic cash grab by Townsend.
The altercation that went viral remains controversial among fans. While some saw Tyson as the aggressor, others believe Townsend instigated matters by pestering Tyson and ignoring clear signals to stop the harassment. Though legally complicated, public consensus leans toward faulting Townsend's "foolish games" more than Tyson's reactive response.
In any case, the nearly half million dollar settlement demand ratchets up tension around the infamous high-altitude punch-out. It may lead to a courtroom bout next if Tyson continues refusing payment.