LONDON (Reuters) - A former heavyweight boxing champion is critically ill in hospital on Tuesday after being shot in the head at a club in London.

James Oyebola, 47, a champion boxer during the 1990s, was attacked in the early hours of Monday at the Chateau 6 nightclub in Fulham, west London.

The Sun newspaper said the incident came after Oyebola asked three men to put out their cigarettes, pointing out that smoking in public places was now against the law in Britain.

"He wasn't aggressive but the three saw it as a sign of disrespect. On their way out, one pulled out a gun and started firing at James," an unnamed source told the paper.

Police said the 6ft 9ins (2.1m) tall Oyebola was shot in the head and leg in a covered courtyard at the rear of the club.

The three suspects fled on foot.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward to police and assist us in bringing those responsible for gravely injuring James to justice," said Detective Chief Inspector Scott Wilson.

Oyebola, who was born in Nigeria, won 18 of his 23 career fights.

crazy. my thoughts are with his family

jami0mckay said:

Apparently, the doctors fear he will be brain damaged.

MissMe said:

its bad enough that it happened at all but I just can't comprehend how someone would do that over a cigarette

I heard he did lots of work in the community with youngsters too, such a shame.

The world has gone crazy.