Boxer Tells Her to Stay Away : Shoe-Wielding Mom Barred From Bouts

LONDON —  The shoe-wielding mom of British boxer Tony Wilson has been barred by her son from throwing any more knockout blows.

Minna Wilson, who burst into the ring last week and whacked her son’s opponent over the head with one of her high-heeled shoes, has been told to keep away from future fights.

“I’ve banned her from watching me again,” Wilson, a light heavyweight, said today.

Investigation Under Way

British boxing officials are investigating how Wilson, 62, managed to clamber over rows of spectators, squeeze past security officials into the ring and end her son’s bout in round three by clouting Steve McCarthy.

The incident occurred Thursday at the Guildhall in Southampton. Wilson and McCarthy were fighting for the right to stay in contention for a shot at the British light- heavyweight title, held by Tom Collins.

McCarthy had knocked down Wilson and had him pinned against the ropes when he felt the full force of Minna Wilson’s shoe. The blow opened a gaping wound that required hospital treatment.

The referee’s decision to award the fight to Wilson after McCarthy refused to return to the ring sparked an uproar among the crowd of about 1,000.

Wilson said he could not understand why his mother intervened after peacefully watching him fight numerous times since he was 10 years old.

“I just don’t know why it happened,” he said.

His mother was unavailable for comment. She was said to be “relaxing at home.”

But her actions were defended by Wilson’s manager, Jimmy Tibbs.

‘Shouldn’t Be Ashamed’

“She’s been quoted in the paper as saying she is ashamed, but she shouldn’t be ashamed,” Tibbs said. “She’s done what any mum would do under the circumstances. She just blacked out. She didn’t know what she was doing.”

The British Boxing Board of Control declared the fight a no-contest and ordered a rematch.

This time, Minna Wilson will not be there, but Tibbs wishes she could trade punches legally, just like her son.

“I’ve tried to sign her up, but the (British) Board won’t grant me a license,” Tibbs said with a smile.