The Daily Star is reporting that Dereck Chisora faces possible disciplinary measures following his actions last weekend, which culminated in a brawl with David Haye at the press conference following his spirited losing effort to WBC heavyweight champion, Vitali Klitschko.
Chisora was detained and questioned by Munich police after the brawl, and was released without charges on Sunday morning.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBB of C) has launched an investigation into Chisora’s slap of Vitali Klitschko, spitting water in the face of Wladimir Klitschko, and his brawl with Haye. David Haye’s role in the melee, which left Adam Booth (Haye’s trainer/manager) with a bloody gash on his head, will also be investigated.
After learning of the pending investigation, Chisora released an official statement apologizing for his actions and accepting the BBB of C’s decision to investigate his actions.
Following the extensive media coverage that my WBC World Heavyweight title challenge against Vitali Klitschko in Munich at the weekend has attracted, I feel I must wholeheartedly apologise for my part in the regretable scenes both before and after what was to be the biggest night of my career.
Whilst my behaviour was inexcusable, there were many things that went on behind the scenes that ultimately caused my frustrations to boil over, however this is of course no excuse. I cannot go into the specific details at the moment as quite rightly the British Boxing Board of Control will be investigating this matter and also the altercation that took place between David Haye and myself where I was struck by a bottle.
Despite all of this, the bottom line is, I have let my family, my team and worst of all the sport I love down. I acknowledge that my actions were totally unprofessional, with or without provocation. Now, with a cool head and the benefit of hindsight, my actions at the weekend were regretable to say the least and I am deeply embarrassed at the scenes reported in the media.
I acknowledge that I have a duty as a professional boxer to conduct myself properly at all times, especially with boxing being a sport of controlled aggression. I have let lots of people down on Saturday night, including myself, and for that I am truly sorry.
In Munich I fully cooperated with the German authorities and as a result I was released without charge.
I will be making no further comment at this stage and will wait for any formal hearing to take place.
Haye released his own statement shortly thereafter.
It is with regret that I feel I have to issue this statement to clarify certain matters, following an unfortunate incident that occurred on Saturday night (February 18) in Munich, Germany at the Vitali Klitschko vs. Dereck Chisora post-fight press conference. I was in Munich to watch the WBC world heavyweight title bout between Klitschko and Chisora and provide punditry for BoxNation, and accredited as such.
During the post-fight press conference, I was stood at the back of the room. It wasn’t until Bernd Bonte said my name and involved me in the press conference that I commented. I was then happy to banter back and forth with Bonte and Klitschko, keen to ascertain whether he (Vitali) would stay true to his word and reiterate his desire to do what his younger brother couldn’t do – knock me out. I felt as though the public would want to hear more information about this potential bout and that we could both start beating the drum ahead of a showdown later this year.
However, at this point Chisora began firing insults at me from his position on the top table. In fact, he has recently made a habit of saying derogatory things about me in the press.
Moments before declaring he wanted to go face-to-face with me, Chisora assured the gathered media that he would give me ‘two slaps’. Chisora had, of course, already been shrouded in controversy that weekend.
Despite this, Chisora climbed down from the top table, removed his robe and then walked towards me, entourage in tow, in an aggressive manner. I held my ground, but, unfortunately, he caused a serious disturbance to occur, something which threatened to damage the reputation of the sport we both love. Regrettably, some members of his entourage also encouraged the chaos.
Nevertheless, Chisora and I soon separated, brushed ourselves down and moved in opposite directions.
The confrontation then reignited, however, and both Don Charles and Adam Booth became involved in the mess. Adam suffered a cut to the head.
Thankfully, it didn’t take long for the ruckus to again settle down. It was then that I heard Chisora say he planned to ‘shoot me dead’.
I decided to leave the venue and return to my hotel, a move which I hoped would diffuse the situation. However, Chisora’s team were staying at the same hotel as me and, in light of the threats Chisora had made in front of the world’s media, it seemed far more appropriate for me and Adam to leave the hotel as quickly as possible.
Consequently, I left Munich on an earlier flight on Sunday morning and have been thinking about what happened ever since, as well as replaying the incident many times via YouTube. It goes without saying, I am bitterly disappointed to have been a part of what transpired on Saturday evening.
I realise I am no angel – and don’t mind a bit of professional trash-talk to help raise boxing’s profile – but, during my 21 years in the sport, I have never been involved in, or even witnessed, such a serious fracas. If requested, I shall happily assist the boxing authorities with any investigation they wish to launch and, ultimately, hope that all lessons learned from this incident will be implemented.
I also hope Dereck Chisora is able to learn from his mistakes this past weekend, right the wrongs and then go on to fulfil his potential in the boxing ring.
Boxing Scene has reported that Chisora’s hearing with the BBB of C is set for March 14. Chisora, who now appears to have a possible future fight with Haye looming, will have to lobby to keep his license in the face of the BBB of C’s threat to revoke his boxing license. According to The Daily Star’s report, a lifetime ban is a possibility, which would severely hamper Chisora’s chances at boxing again.
Haye, who “retired” last October, and who was recently negotiating a possible fight with Vitali Klitschko before talks broke down, will argue his privilege to apply for a boxing license in the future, should bouts with Klitschko or Chisora come to fruition.
Both Chisora and Haye have said they will gladly cooperate with the Board’s investigation.
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