Chisora Faces Harsh Penalties In Klitschko Fight Aftermath

With participation in anger management classes his only hope for future reconsideration, heavyweight contender Dereck ‘Del Boy’ Chisora, 28, has been suspended indefinitely by the World Boxing Council for his uncontrolled behavior during the build up to his WBC title fight against Vitali Klitschko on February 18, 2012.

He was also fined $100,000 for poor sportsmanship. The suspension means that Chisora cannot be ranked by the WBC nor can he participate in any WBC bout. The decision handed down by the WBC was effected without a formal hearing.

However, the WBC stated after making its announcement that Chisora will be given a formal hearing later. WBC President Jose Sulaiman stated” He (Chisora) is a human being so we’re not going to put him in the trash. He must pay for his mistake, but we will give him another opportunity (to plead his case).”

Chisora later stated, “While 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,” and also adding, “I have let my family, my team and worst of all the sport I love down.”

The admission of guilt and responsibility by Chisora for his actions came too late to stop the WBC’s decision.

Bernd Boente, Vitali Klitschko and Wladimir Klitschko’s manager, stated he supported Chisora’s WBC suspension, noting “Chisora needs help to control his temper.” Nonetheless, Boente noted ” A fight between Chisora with Wladimir in a year or two is possible. But first of all, I think Chisora needs some (professional) help.”

According to WBC President Jose Sulaiman, “Derek 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, however, as a human being that he is, is going to be strongly invited to enter an anger management rehabilitation program that hopefully will act in his benefit.”

Chisora will face a formal hearing before the British Boxing Board of Control on March 14, 2012, which could result in Chisora’s being banned anywhere from six months-to several years-to ultimately being banned for life from the sport of boxing.

Chisora slapped Vitali Klitschko at the weigh-in before their February 18 2012, title bout, won by Vitali by 12 round decision. He also spat in Wladimir Klitschko’s face. Chisora then brawled with ex-champion David Haye during the post fight press conference.

The British Board of Control could levy a suspension for a fixed period of time. An indefinite suspension would still mean Chisora could apply for reinstatement after one year. If David Haye (currently unlicensed) and Chisora do decide to fight later in 2012, a suspension of any kind on Chisora would mean a Haye versus Chisora heavyweight elimination bout between the two would have to be fought in a venue located outside the United Kingdom.

Haye, 31, reiterated he is retired from the sport of boxing and is not seeking a bout with Chisora. As for the brawl with Chisora, according to Haye (who was holding a glass bottle) “I didn’t hit him (Chisora) with that bottle, I hit him with my fists! Why wouldn’t I defend myself? I had no other option.” Chisora stated four times after the brawl that he would shoot Haye, adding “If David don’t fight me, I am going to physically burn him.”

German authorities informed BBC Sport that both Dereck Chisora and David Haye are suspected of committing offenses which could carry prison terms if found guilty.