Dereck Chisora

WBC bans Dereck Chisora for David Haye brawl after Vitali Klitschko bout

Wednesday, February 29, 2012
8:55 AM

London boxer Dereck Chisora has been given an indefinite ban by the World Boxing Council for his behaviour before and after his fight with Vitali Klitschko.

Before the bout Chisora slapped the Ukrainian world champion and spat water in the face of his brother Wladamir moments before the fight started.

After he was beaten by Vitali on points he was then involved in a brawl with David Haye, who was there as a pundit, in the post-fight news conference.

The WBC said it was “one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional” and ordered Chisora to have anger management treatment before considering whether to lift the suspension.

“The WBC is absolutely condemning behaviours that are not to be accepted in boxing under any circumstances and will act as soon as it can proceed to impose the fines and sanctions as we consider necessary,” read a statement issued by the organisation.

“Boxers are gentlemen and show to the world an example of honour and fair play when, after a tremendous battle, they go to the centre of the ring to pay respect to each other.

“Dereck Chisora is not going to tarnish the sport for those born in the humblest beds, who become sports heroes of the world to live a life of dignity and pride.”

Chisora is due before a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on March 14 and his manager, Frank Warren, was shocked at the ban.

“I don’t understand how someone can be banned without having a hearing. I’ve never ever heard of anything like that. There’s been no hearing,” he said.

“There were some things which he did which absolutely were wrong and he shouldn’t have done, and I’m not condoning that but there were a lot of things happening behind the scenes. All this stuff needs to be taken into consideration before anyone decides what happened.

“Everybody is entitled to natural justice no matter what they’ve done.”

Chisora had earned plaudits during the fight but all the headlines were grabbed by the brawl with Haye.

Chisora accused Haye of glassing him and Haye admitted holding a bottle when he punched him. Both fighters have apologised for their actions.