Asinia Byfield feared for his family during Copper Box brawl just one year after tragically losing young son
Reading star retained his Southern Area super welterweight against Sam McNess but a brawl broke out among the crowd
ASINIA BYFIELD feared for his wife and children after a mass brawl broke out at London’s Copper Box on Saturday night, just a year after tragically losing his baby son.
The Southern Area super welterweight champion defended his title against the West Ham fan Sam Mcness who had a huge fan base on the night.
Byfield was dishing out serious punishment in the fourth and fifth round before McNess’ corner threw in the towel to save their man.
But Reading fighter Byfield’s excessive celebrations – after weeks of pre-fight needle – sparked a rush from the home town fans who started a brawl that threatened the rest of the show.
And Byfield – who sadly lost eight-month old baby Trayvon Byfield-Griffith in 2016 – admitted he feared for his children and the other youngsters as violence spread.
The Reading star – who believes the trouble was started by football fans - said: “At the time it definitely spoiled the night because the main things I was doing was looking to see who was involved.
“My mum and kids were here and there were lots of little guys here and kids.
“I saw one gut getting jumped on by about 15 of the West Ham fans and I tried getting down there just to try and help.”
“I got out the ring and almost made it down there but I knew it was a bad idea.
"I just hope everyone was ok and no one got hurt too bad.
“We are going to party to celebrate – they were singing about blowing bubbles but we will be drinking the bubbles.”
Byfield’s first title shot came in April 2016 - when he accepted the fight just days after the death of his young son who was struck down by infection - which he lost.
The 28-year-old admitted to losing his way after the family tragedy but he grabbed the belt at the second time of asking with a points win in October 2016.
The flashy talent got his chance to shine on the big stage at the weekend and he wanted to put the best possible show on for his family and friends.
He said: “He looked like he was done in the fourth but I didn’t step up the pressure on.
“If I had thrown a five or six-shot flurry then maybe he would have gone.
“He was hurt but he had fight in him still. It was on TV and I wanted to look good every second.
"I didn’t want on be on the retreat or recovering at all because that is boring TV.
“My missus bet on me to win by KO in the fourth round and just missed out on about £3000 but we are still alright.”
A Met police spokesperson confirmed the police were called at around 10pm but no arrests were made or injuries reported but a number of people were dispersed from the area.