Boxing News Boxing News
Despite having to run a gauntlet of obstacles, a matchup between the two top British heavyweights last night attracted 30,000 spectators to Upton Park in London’s West Ham with David Haye belting out iron-chinned Dereck Chisora in five rounds.
The pairing came off of a much-publicized, scandalous press conference brawl between Haye and Chisora in Munich, Germany following Chisora’s failed bid to unseat WBC king Vitali Klitschko this past February.
At that point, the die was cast for an in-ring clash between Haye and Chisora despite the protestations and actions of several high level Boxing organizations, who maintained that the behavior of both boxers in Germany had brought disrepute onto the sport and was not to be rewarded with a profitable fight.
At the weigh-in for last night’s bout, a fence-like barrier was in place to separate Haye and in particular, Chisora, who has a history of unconventional actions at these occasions.
Once the contest got underway, it was clear that Haye had returned to the excellent form that won him world titles at both cruiser and heavyweight, following his very inactive and disappointing showing against multi-belt champion Wladimir Klitschko a year ago.
As Chisora plodded forward behind a high guard, Haye showed both speed and accuracy in making the Zimbabwe born “Del Boy” pay for any real estate gained.
Shooting out an ever-present jab, Haye followed up with a powerful right hand that either disrupted Chisora’s attempts at pressure or cuffed the ill-tempered Finchley resident.
This pattern played out over the first three rounds with Chisora letting his hands go with mixed results when he got in close but mostly missing with wild swings.
Chisora waited until right at the bell to to end the third to come alive, nailing Haye with a hard shot which stunned the former two-weight champion.
The fourth saw a highly focused Haye get into the trenches with Chisora and “The Hayemaker” had to take some hard shots and shaky moments in order to start landing flush on his granite-jawed rival.
By the fifth, Haye’s power started to take it’s toll on the heavier Chisora, who was canvassed by a sharp left hook. Chisora beat the count but was immediately set upon by Haye, who unleashed an even better hook to drill Chisora to the floor again.
Remarkably, Chisora managed to get to his feet again within the count but referee Luis Pabon was unconvinced and declared the contest over with only seconds remaining in the round.
Haye improves to 26-2 (24) while Chisora drops to 15-4 (9).
