Judge orders Floyd's arrest

Las Vegas - A Las Vegas judge has issued an outstanding arrest warrant for boxer Floyd Mayweather jnr. on a misdemeanor battery complaint alleging he poked a security guard in the face several times.

The warrant issued on December 8 requires Mayweather to turn himself in or face arrest at any time, said Las Vegas police Officer Bill Cassel.

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Tony Abbatangelo signed the arrest warrant for Mayweather after a December 8 hearing, then immediately recalled it. It was reinstated after prosecutors complained Mayweather had received special treatment. Prosecutors also argued that Mayweather has a history of dangerous behavior and should be arrested.

A court hearing to review the warrant was scheduled for Tuesday.

Mayweather, 33, faces a six-month jail sentence and a $1 000 fine if convicted.

Mayweather's lawyer, Karen Winckler, could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday. She has denied wrongdoing on his behalf.

The battery allegation stems from a November 15 confrontation over parking tickets between the undefeated champion and a security guard outside Mayweather's home.

Police allege a "verbally abusive" Mayweather blocked the guard, Shayne Smith, from leaving a cul-de-sac, screamed he had no business "touching his personal property" and repeatedly jabbed his finger into Smith's cheek.

Police said photographs taken during the investigation show redness and discoloration below Smith's left eye.

Mayweather has been the focus of several other police investigations in recent months, and made headlines in September with an online video laced with expletives and racial rants against Philippine boxing rival Manny Pacquiao.

He was convicted in 2002 of misdemeanor battery stemming from a fight with two women at a Las Vegas nightclub. He received a suspended one-year jail sentence and was ordered to undergo impulse-control counseling.

He was fined in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in February 2005 and ordered to perform community service after pleading no contest to misdemeanor assault and battery in a bar fight.

Mayweather is free on $33 000 bail on unrelated felony coercion, grand larceny and robbery charges from a September dispute with his children and their mother. He could face up to 34 years in prison if convicted in that case.