The former British heavyweight boxing champion shot in the head at a nightclub may have asked the men who attacked him to stop smoking, it has emerged.
Oyebola seen at fight in 1994The life of James Oyebola, 47, is now hanging in the balance as he remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The 6ft 9in ex-fighter was shot in a covered courtyard area at the rear of the Chateau 6 club in Fulham Road, southwest London.
Witnesses said the former boxer, who won the WBC International Heavyweight title in 1993, intervened as staff asked the group to stop lighting up.
One said Oyebola asked the men to put out their cigarettes and pointed out that smoking in public places was now against the law.
He said: "He was just being a good citizen but the three saw it as a sign of disrespect. On their way out, one pulled out a gun and began firing at James."
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Tue Jul 24, 2007 1:35 pm