David Haye and Dereck Chisora's performance last night was an embarrassment to British boxing, and the pair need to realise it and fast. (Photos by Alexandra Beier/Bongarts/Getty Images and Scott Heavey/Getty Images)
After another long night watching the boxing yesterday, I called it a night pretty impressed with Dereck Chisora's performance, yet less than 12 hours later I've awoken to a story which should make most boxing fans cringe.
Through the night we covered the unfolding story of David Haye and Dereck Chisora going to war at the post-fight press conference. This morning I've had time to take it all in and read all of the thoughts of the readers here at Bad Left Hook.
Before I ramble on about the disgraceful behaviour of all parties, I'd to make a point about the performance of Chisora. Despite having little experience and very little practice against the world elite he did himself proud. He never gave in and constantly came forward. Yes he got beat and deservedly so, but at least he stood there and basically said, "Let's have it." I'd much rather see people like Chisora than the likes of Samuel Peter, Tomasz Adamek and Shannon Briggs.
As for the aftermath, pre-fight and anything not in the ring, well that's a totally different ball game.
Dereck Chisora's antics outside the ring overshadow his efforts in the ring. In six months time what are the general public going to remember? That lad from Finckley who did himself proud against a world champion? Or a mad man threatening to shoot people? We know the answer there.
I didn't want to look at the past problems these two have had, but how can I not, as it adds to the argument that these two clearly have issues. In the past Chisora has kissed and bitten opponents, this weekend he's reached a whole new level with slapping and spitting. Haye himself hasn't had problems in the past similar to last night, but he's always running his mouth off and in his last fight got silenced well and truly.
People will tell me to lighten up and that it's all about creating some hype for the sport, but there is a line and the pair plus their teams crossed the line last night. David Haye for some reason was allowed into the post-fight press conference, and his sole aim was to goad a fight with Vitali Klitschko, after Haye claimed they've agreed to a deal but Bernd Boente is the reason for it stalling. Then after yet again running his mouth off he managed to enrage Chisora to come to the floor, where the pair exchanged words before Haye threw the first punch.
The claim is that Haye glassed Chisora, but according to Ron Lewis of the Times newspaper this was not the case as he tweeted after the fiasco.
"Haye throws first punch with hand holding a bottle of lemonade (although he did not glass him as Chisora claimed) Brawl starts..."
I don't want to bore you with the minor details as I'm sure you know the story and if not you can see the video I linked earlier. But the actions of Chisora were nothing short of disgraceful. Threatening to 'shoot a man' or even 'burn him' if he doesn't get a fight is pure thuggery and sets a shocking example to the future of the sport. As a fan of football and rugby league over in the UK, I appreciate the sport of boxing and love the fact it's a sport with respect running through its core.
As usual Frank Warren was trying to use the situation to set-up a new fight but I think the two will be lucky to escape punishment. With the world focusing on the UK for the Olympics it sets a bad example for the country, but mainly it gives boxing a bad name. It reminded me of WWE, a fake sport with absurd story-lines and constant drama. I'll agree with those saying it increases the popularity of the sport and there will be more attention...but not for the right reasons. The incident has left British boxing trying to put a hand over its face.
As for the future, they'll probably get it on in the ring, if Haye gets that far after Chisora's threats. The public will demand the fight and it will get British boxing talking again, but I can see the Board of Control having something to say about all of this. They're the ones who need to dish the punishments (and maybe the German police) and it'll be interesting to see if they grant Haye a licence to box again (don't forget he will need a new one after letting his old licence lapse).
Chisora needs help. You can't go around threatening to kill people, and in stepping up the boxing ladder he seems to be disgracing himself at every opportunity. Some boxing experts and fans are demanding the pair never get the chance to fight again, but we know that won't happen. The heavyweight division needs a kick up the arse once more and last night it got more than it needed to kick it into life.
The whole thing takes the attention off the fight itself. Dereck Chisora did himself proud. The boxing world could be talking about him in a positive light this morning if he'd have shown respect after losing, and told David Haye what he thought and left it at that. Haye had his chance and was a shambles in July and should deal with it. He's not a leading British icon like he once was (or thought he was). The country put faith in him and he let everyone down. His failure to deal with his loss is laughable. Why should he fight Vitali? And this isn't a personal attack on Haye, I guess, but more a fan who was just devastated by his performance in Germany.
The real question, though, is who came out of this with any respect? Well who else but the Klitschkos? They're classed as boring and sometimes they are, but their attitude and actions epitomise what boxing is all about. As the action unfolded they stood there smiling, laughing and most of all stunned at the performance. They looked professional and as surprised as everyone else.
I know the general boxing fans aren't going to agree with me, they're going to read this and tell me to lighten up and shut up moaning. I love a tear-up, a brawl, and I appreciate it, in the ring. The American fight fans will probably take to Chisora a little more now, he's brash and could be dubbed as the British version of Mike Tyson. But as a British boxing fan I was ashamed, and you can call me boring all you like. It was pure thuggery, classless and a shocking example to the kids of the future, for a sport which has respect as one of its main principles.
0 recs | 132 comments
Well said, Thomas
I think I speak for many American boxing fans when I say that Chisora is a disgrace. Though you’re probably right that there are going to be casual fans who see him as the second coming of Tyson.
OmarLittle - February 19, 2012
I'm a casual American boxing fan and didn't know who he was until like 2 days ago
The dude seems like a complete clown to me. I personally wouldn’t mind if he got a year suspension from the sport for all of the actions he’s done in the past 48 hours. Tyson did some wacky stuff too, but the difference is Tyson came across as crazy, but Dereck just seems like an asshole.
HaterSlayer - February 19, 2012
I believe Chisora is also mentally ill. Tyson has at least done something about it, took him a long time and a lot of bad stuff to get around to it though.
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
Its an embarrassment to mention Chisora's name in the same sentence as Tyson.
Tyson was damn good and dominated the heavyweight division….Chisora sucks.
Wasr 10 - February 19, 2012
Hmmm not so sure
This piece wasn’t a piece comparing abilities it was comparing the attitude outside of the ring.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Ya but when you talk shit there is the factor of backing it up...
Tyson talked shit and then kicked ass… Someone who runs their mouth and sucks is just a clown. Hints the circus that took place… I prefer a fighter that kicks ass and keeps his mouth shut like Kiltschko
Wasr 10 - February 19, 2012
Yep agree with that, Vitali is a class act. Sometimes he can be boring and a little too cautious everyone wants to see KO’s but he has skills and it’s why he’s been at the top for so long.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
He does play it extremely safe but hey if you want to be the champ you have beat the champ
Wasr 10 - February 19, 2012
He has 40 KOs out of 43 wins. that’s a lot.
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
His past few opponents have been a waste of time though.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Even subtracting them, it’s a lot.
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
I'll give you that yes.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Chisora has the amazing combo of being a-hole/crazy………….lethal combo when dealing with an arrogant, trash talking fellow HW (and Brit).
DPlainview - February 19, 2012
Cheers
Yes with some of the things he’s doing it’s ‘Tysonesque.’
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
It was exciting.
Boxing needs excitement. /
Im sure they could of gone about it by saying “Chisora is a great opponent, and I respect his skills and heart”, but that isnt exciting.
Shitali Klitschko - February 19, 2012 via mobile
They could have also said "Fuck you" to each other
and maybe some pushing and shoving, it would have created less of a negative response and some excitement
IRodC - February 19, 2012
The is talk about The BBBC fining the men but can they fine Haye? Seeing as he doesn’t have a boxing license and is “retired”
Perks4ever - February 19, 2012
Yeh it isn’t exciting and I agree and I mentioned it in the headline. But there is a line and for me they both crossed it. Soon as it becomes embarrassing over entertaining I think it’s enough.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Probably not, but they can hit Adam Booth’s wallet.
Scott Christ - February 19, 2012
Boxing needs excitment in the ring. It doesn’t need this nonsense, a bit of trash talking and banter between the fighters is fine as long as you show respect afterwards. Chisora and Haye are both disgraces to britain and to the sport of boxing.
MattyEdgeworth - February 19, 2012
What a complete pair of pricks.
Sir Jack Daniels - February 19, 2012
LOL. Yea, probably.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
I’d like, at the risk of breaking BLH rules, to repeat a couple of things I said earlier: I miss the Klitschko era already, and somewhere the “sport” has dropped out of this.
As an American, I don’t view this as in any way reflective of British character or values in general; these are two idiots, one barely controlled (Haye), the other hardly at all. And speaking for myself only, I don’t want this kind of “hype.” I don’t care how much revenue would be generated by a fight between these two: it would not be worth the disgrace of rewarding individuals like this.
DrRck - February 19, 2012
Well said DrRck.
Phill - February 19, 2012
Thank you, Phill.
DrRck - February 19, 2012
Completely agree mate
MattyEdgeworth - February 19, 2012
If it weren’t for the British, where would anyone find models for decent manners in this world?
DrRck - February 19, 2012
Oh I think it’s very apparent that the Brits have poor character, generally, as shown by these two representatives of their culture. This press conference fight should be used as an example of why Brits are of lower quality overall, compared to America, the rest of Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Overall, Dereck Chisora and David Haye have permanently disgraced the UK, and tomorrow at 0700 I’d sell all my stock in the UK’s exchange because it’s going to to take an epic dive because of this.
….I don’t think anybody thinks this is a reflection of the UK in general. Nobody.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
Then please explain Myweather/Hatton press confrances then!
Then please explain Myweather/Hatton press conferences or maybe the Lewis/Tyson or if you like the comments of Hopkins in the lead up to the Calzaghe fight.
Darren Mazey - February 19, 2012
It was a joke man, clearly. I don’t think it’s a reflection on the UK.
The only thing that I think can be categorized as “disgraceful” about any of that shit is Hopkins rolling around on the ground like a stuck pig during the JCal fight. The Executioner? – He lost me that bullshit.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
Oh, OK sorry :-)
Darren Mazey - February 19, 2012
Yeah I think it should be made clear that I’d say most Americans would never see this as a negative on British culture in general but of two fools, individuals and fools.
Then again we’re often put in the position of defending American culture as a whole when a handful of individuals act the fool.
So what am I saying is, British BLH fans we’re there for you we know how you feel :)
Chris Sarda - February 19, 2012
Thanks Chris thanks ha!
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
every culture is made of fools and gentlemen, it’s human nature. brits aren’t “better” than americans, and vice-versa.
battle axe of doom - February 19, 2012
DOUCHE and BAG
Bald-Eagle - February 19, 2012
Having just reviewed the monkey business again it is indeed clear to me that Chisora and Haye are total tossers.
Compare them to Vitali who was total and utter class through all the antics.
Last night proved that those pair of morons aren’t fit to lace a Klitschko’s glove let alone share a ring with them.
Sir Jack Daniels - February 19, 2012
Not sure what to make of the brawl...
They both come across as having IQ’s less than Cesar Cuenca’s knockout percentage, but at least it adds excitement to a rubbish division. Character wise, if every fighter was like Andre Ward and Chad Dawson, it would be a much duller sport.
On the other hand, Chisora’s spitting was disgraceful and he should lose an even bigger percentage of his purse.
Dafs - February 19, 2012
That comes across like I condone the brawl. I don’t. I just don’t see it as bad as Chisora’s actions before the fight.
Dafs - February 19, 2012
What confused me was that no one stepped in when Chisora was walking towards David
These guys are fighters so you know that if they confront each other then hands are going to fly. I don’t see why a trainer or someone didn’t try and break stuff up. It would have had the same effect as hyping a potential fight, but without the black eye on the sport.
HaterSlayer - February 19, 2012
I thought that was odd too. Did they think he was going to shake Haye’s hand?
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
I thought I saw one of Chisora’s handlers try to stop him, but Chisora basically told him to leave him the fuck alone………………….smart move when you’re dealing with a crazed HW prizefighter.
DPlainview - February 19, 2012
I think he said just stand behind me, and everyone can argue who’s fault it was. Yes Haye shouldn’t have been there, yes Chisora should have stayed sitting down, blah blah blah. Having said that who wants to get in the way of them too…or the thrown tripod.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
I’ve had a hard time getting worked up about Chisora’s antics. I realize he’s an asshole if not a complete nutjob, but in terms of black eyes to boxing, I think what happened to Campillo last night was worse than anything he did this weekend.
bachwards - February 19, 2012
I’m with you. I don’t think Chisora covered himself in glory outside the ring, but surely a guy getting jobbed inside the ring is that much worse?
Oli Goldstein - February 19, 2012
Yes. It was stupid, the Chisora/Haye thing, but that’s all it really was. The spitting thing was gross, but he did get fined. Where’s the justice for Campillo.
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
absolutely.
Only one thing undermined the efficacy of the sport last night, and it wasn’t Dereck Chisora.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
the problem is, chisora did fight well and kudos to him and outside of the ring they are both a disgrace, but it puts bums and seats and always will. and as crappy as it is, its got people excited in boxing again, and if chisora had just sat in his seat haye/chisora would not even be talked about haye could brush it under the carpet. now however, this confrontation almost demands the two to fight. which i cant wait to see personally its about time boxing got big rivalries again, just a shame that this had to happen to make it happen. it does make me feel slightly embarassed to be a brit tho, although tbf i think all british fans are in agreement that in the hw division we’re all rooting for david price :D
sparky_mufc - February 19, 2012
Yeah, the Brit HW’s(Chisora, Haye, Price, Fury) are heating up…………..in more ways than one.
DPlainview - February 19, 2012
Chisora getting a disproportionate amount of blame here, what about Haye?
Here’s a guy who had no business being in the post-fight conference anyway, first having the temerity to even show up to the fight, and then talking crapola to Vitali offstage. All this after his no-show against Wladimir.
Seeing the dude licking his lips after the fight on Boxnation, talking about how he could see four or five shots ahead of Vitali and he’d love a crack at him made my skin crawl. He had his chance, he blew it. I don’t particularly like what little I’ve seen of him but there’s a killer line from Bernd Boente in the video, something along the lines of, “Chisora had heart, you had a sore toe”, or something like that.
Anyway, looking at the bigger picture; agreed with bachwards, need to forget these clowns – spare a thought for Campillo, screwed again, and he didn’t even resort to swinging a tripod at the post-fight presser.
abcdefghijklost - February 19, 2012
Couldn’t agree more.
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
+ 1, and to add to haye should be getting more of the blame, haye threw the first “punch” whether it was a “bottling” or “glassing” remains to be proved but regardless haye started the fight, by turning up, mouthing off and engaging the physical confrontation. period. yet chisora is arrested and as yet munich police officers are saying they have no plans yet to charge haye :S
sparky_mufc - February 19, 2012
I don't even think they've found Haye.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
totally agree
haye riled him up, threw the first punch, hit him with a bottle then swung a camera stand at him while he ran away
the fact that the bottle was in his hand as he threw the punch is irrelevant, it still got smashed on chisora
boente was right – “He showed heart, you showed us your toe”
chisora is a belligerent scumbag criminal, but haye was much worse here
Cunny - February 19, 2012
really? Chisora doesnt deserve most of the blame?
I don’t like Haye, but he was at that press conference in the long standing boxing tradition of calling out the champ. I’m not saying he’s got any better chance with Vit than he had with Wlad, but he wasn’t in the wrong to be mouthing off here. Chisora felt he was getting showed up & inserted himself in the convo. Haye was still calling Vit “old” & saying he was ready for a fight when Chisora wanted in. And he was the one that approached Haye in an aggressive manner with multiple members of his entourage & staff wasn’t he? With Chisora’s reputation & recent behaivor why not punch him first? Maybe he should’ve dropped the bottle but instincts kick up. And then being a boxer he jumps to claiming he’s going to “shoot” & “burn” Haye? He should’ve just kept his ass at the stage.
Fat Daddy Doobs - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Haye’s retired and unlicensee. Got no business calling anybody out at all.
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
so was Mayweather?..the list is extensive..
Everyone knows the first couple of retirements don’t stick! And besides he said had “agreed to the terms”? Sounds like there was business being done if he had even been presented terms no?
Fat Daddy Doobs - February 19, 2012 via mobile
No. Chisora’s still in the conversation because he fought his ass off. I don’t need to see Haye back-pedal his way to a shutout loss again.
Between Haye and Chisora, there’s only one disgrace to boxing, and it ain’t the guy who went out on his shield like a fucking warrior yesterday.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
ok..
I’ll take your word for it bcuz I didn’t watch & the word is Chisora put on a show despite almost getting shut out himself, but the press conference spectacle could’ve been avoided. Shit like that will get his career derailed. Idk much about him, but He reminds me of Ike Ibeabuchi without the “Jesus” spiel..
Fat Daddy Doobs - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Yea, he may be headed down the Ibeabuchi road. But, Ibeabuchi is mentally ill, badly mentally ill, and he can’t really be held responsible for his actions.
Well, he has been held responsible for his actions (legally) but I don’t think he should have been. Man belongs in a hospital, long term.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
Yep Chisora was fantastic last night, many expected him to be blasted away and he stepped up and made Vitali look average.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
On the contrary,
in a division as weak and as lacking in character as the HW’s, Chisora has Mayorga x4 type potential right now. He just needs to stay in shape and not shoot, main, or set anybody on fire, which ain’t exactly a given by any stretch but i like to think some things we can take with a pinch of salt.
abcdefghijklost - February 19, 2012
At least Chisora went the full twelve with some credit from a fight against a Klitschko.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
I mentioned the behaviour of Haye and still said he was a joke.
The main reason I said more about Chisora was because of his actions at both the pre-fight and post-fight conferences. They’re both as bad as each other but we all know who looked the bigger idiot all weekend.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
same page. I’m with you.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
I do know what people mean, however, David Haye was a paid media member yesterday, working for BoxNation.
Scott Christ - February 19, 2012
good point. only now i'm picturing the body of Jim Gray in Haye's body.
what a hellacious broadcaster we’d have then. Also, a felon.
abcdefghijklost - February 19, 2012
urgh. meant to say Jim Gray's brain in Haye's body,
although i’d be interested in seeing the first incarnation of my comment.
abcdefghijklost - February 19, 2012
LMAO!!!!
Now I have to go scrum my brain to get that image out… :-)
Stevosaurus Rex - February 20, 2012
Hey, we've been bored to teard for years now.
I’d hate the way Chisora has acted a lot more if he didn’t fight his ass off in the ring. If he was a phony or just a plain thug it would have been exposed in the ring.
He’s a fighter with a bad attitude. They all don’t have to be “yes, sir”. Characters are necessary in fight sports.
Let’s look at the bright side- he comes to fight and will go at anyone in the world. To me, that’s a welcome change.
And let me ask you this- Why the hell SHOULD he respect Haye or Wlad? David was mouthing off a thousand miles a minute so Dereck chose to confront him. There’s a certain “No BS” charm about that. haha
And Wlad standing over him, staring him down before the fight was idiotic. I like that Chisora refused to be controlled or intimidated.
This is fighting. It’s not a Mr Nice Guy contest.
Dereck is a nut, but at least it’s not an act.
Lee Payton - February 19, 2012
agree 100%………….i get tired of the Klitschko’s, “you mess with me, so you have to mess with my bro” bullshit.
Chisora had the attitude, “Fuck you assholes”, I’m here to kick Frankenstein’s ass.
DPlainview - February 19, 2012
Agree and disagree
Course it’s a welcome change. I mentioned on more than one occasion how good I think Chisora did and how he never cowers from anyone. But come on…shoot him…burn him lets get real.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Yes!
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
Totally, totally agree.
Wladimir had also screwed him around twice in the previous 18 months over fights. The Klitschkos might behave like gentlemen in the public eye – and by all accounts they are gentlemen – but so much of their dominance stems from their control. Chisora set out to show that they weren’t in control of him; that they were facing a different animal; that he wasn’t going to sit on the end of the jab all night long. By no means did Del Boy cover himself in glory outside the ring, but I’ve got all the respect in the world for his performance inside it. At the end of the day, brawls have happened in the public eye before (Ali-Frazier, prime example) and they’ll no doubt happen again in the future. It’s boxing – since when weren’t fighters allowed to be aggressive?
Oli Goldstein - February 19, 2012
This. Well put. I have nothing else to say.
Apprentice - February 19, 2012
Yes
Very good post.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
yup
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
I’m perplexed. Does David Haye not realise we still have his shitty performance against Wlad fresh in our memories? Does he really think we’ve all been looking forward to seeing him hogging the limelight spouting off the usual drivel?
The bloke should be more humble and at least try to regain some confidence (if possible) in him. The more I see him, the more I dislike him. I’ve never boxed, but we are always told boxing actually teaches respect and discipline. What the hell happened to him?
Vlad & Vitali are two good, honorable and decent men. Chisora and Haye aren’t fit to be in the same room as them.
They make me feel ashamed to come from the same country.
Phill - February 19, 2012
I should also point out that I respect Vitali
for being so secure. He’s a legit badass.
Lee Payton - February 19, 2012
both klitschkos are fantastic personalities imo
stoic and immovable
real gentlemen
Cunny - February 19, 2012
Seems to me that if you put them in old soviet uniforms and give them AKs, they’re everything the western world feared in the cold war.
Joe Landry - February 19, 2012 via Android app
Yes, this sordid behavior by Chisora and Haye may put bums in the seats (for a fight or two), but it’s a band-aid, not a cure. Boxing needs great fights IN the ring. These carnival side shows, which have become so predictable these days, are among the reasons boxing is in decline and turns off so many potential fans.
As an American who loves Britain, I don’t feel they’ve brought shame on their country. They’ve brought shame on themselves and their sport, for which they are responsible.
ShrinkRap - February 19, 2012
Is there something preventing you from remembering both? Ike Ibeabuchi (sp?) was a tough, badass SOB – who also happened to be dangerously schizophrenic. I remember both those things, quite easily. Let’s not make this a bigger deal than it is. We’re not losing any fans over some dumb shit at a press conference. We are losing fans (I guess) when people take fights with no intention of winning them.
I don’t know the criminal laws of Germany or the UK, but in the US, I can tell you I’m going to kill you all day. I agree Chisora needs help. He’s probably mentally ill. But I kind of like that about him.
So dramatic. Did you vote for him and then he turned around and stole money from the public coffers? Is he your chosen religious leader who’s been molesting children? How did he let your country down? He’s a fighter, he fights. He did fight. You should be proud of that. As Charles Barkley quipped, “I am not your kid’s role model.”
I’m with them.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
I’m guessing you didn’t see the six months of constant TV appearances, constant promises and constant bullshit. For people to pay good money to watch the fight, attend the fight etc he didn’t turn up. He did not fight he mainly avoided him for several rounds and threw the odd big shot, then complained it was because of his toe.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
I read that wrong. You were describing Haye. I tend to agree there. Excuse me.
lcollins1 - February 19, 2012
No problem mate
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Chisora did better than recent Vitali opponents. And he does deserve some credit for that. But that’s about it. It was still a lopsided win for Vitali.
Eugene Banks - February 19, 2012
The whole situation is pretty juvenile. Two guys who both clearly lost to the Klitschkos making idiots of themselves. Yes it is entertaining but still stupid. In isolation, you could maybe take each event (the slap, the water, the press conference brawl) as the usual ‘staged’ boxing chaos used to hype a fight. The fact that Chisora was part of all of these events, in the span of two days, with three different people, means that the only thing coming out of this fight is that Chisora is a bit unhinged. He fought well sure, but the fight did show that even in his best day is not good enough to beat a Klitschko brother.
Eoin_not_ian - February 19, 2012
I've got to half stick up for David Haye.
If a man that was mentally unstable came hurtling across the room with the likely intention of assaulting me, biting me, spitting at me or worst of all French kissing me. I would have reacted in exactly the same way as David did. Hit first ask questions later. Chisora has been saying for a while now, and not just recently, that he was going to “slap” David Haye. Given the circumstances I’d hit first and sort the details out later.
Unfortunate for boxing but someone was going to drop Chisora at some point had he carried on with his out of the ring antics, if the Klitchko’s were not so well educated and classy it would probably have been one of them.
Darren Mazey - February 19, 2012
I know Brent Brookhouse always gives boxing a fair shake over at the MMA blog bloodyelbow.com, but what i don’t like is some other writer (Kid Nate) over there saying,
Not that i care much about what an MMA fan thinks of boxing but if this guy had actually taken the time to watch Vitali – Chisora he would have seen that it actually was a good fight.
And if he did watch the fight and still says what he did then he knows nothing about what a good fight consists of.
UnfortuNATEley, this crap in the aftermath has marred what was an entertaining contest
and there are always going to be naysayers (especially ones trying to ride boxing’s coatails) who are going to only look for the bad in the sport.
If the press conference fight had not happened i’m certain this guy would have made no mention of Klitschko – Chisora.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
theres a mix of MMA fans that are disillusioned boxing fans...
And thats speaking from experience too! I’ve been watching MMA bcuz boxing has been letting me down over the last 5-10 yrs, the level of drama fluxuates, but there’s been some real excitement & some quality KOs. If you find yourself looking for MMA info, check out MMAMania, they’re part of SBNation too. Oh yeah…mention Bloody Elbow sucks & you’ll be welcomed with open arms! Its like the not-so-secret password!
Fat Daddy Doobs - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Can’t blame them there, really, with the way boxing carries on at times. :)
I do like both sports myself, but still love boxing more (for now anyway), even for all the BS.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
Great point
It has got people talking and I understand why and respect what it could do for boxing. It could promote a big fight in the UK, which I see as a no contest personally with only one winner.
What is marred is that Vitali looked quite poor and Dereck never stopped trying and put up the best fight Vitali’s had for ages. Yet what got people talking does make British boxing look bad.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
I haven’t seen a heavyweight boxing occurence cause as much as this one has for quite a while.
Most people who i know don’t know that much about the sport these days but, honestly, when i walked into my local drinking club this afternoon, the first thing i heard a group of lads saying debating last nights action was, “no, Chisora spat in Wladimir’s face………”.
It’s very rare i hear people talking about boxing like that.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
cause as much debate
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
I know it’s not a good thing, but like you mentioned, it’s certainly got people’s attention.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
Probably the only positive from the incident
O and Adam Booth’s attitude was a credit too kept calm and still got all his points across.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
I’ve watched the “brawl” video..sure, Chisora should not have come away from the microphone stand, but Haye was completely out of line showing up athe conference and talking smack. Chisora is obviously not the type of guy to whom you can talk smack and get away with it.
I love the German guy, saying to Haye “all you brought to the fight was your toe”.
It’s too bad Chisora has no class whatsoever, because he has a fighters mentality. He comes to fight…unless it’s Tyson Fury (how the hell did he lose to that Irish Traveler stiff!?)
FrankinDallas - February 19, 2012
I agree with you about Fury. That guy is building one hell of a myth. David Haye was working at the fight for the UK broadcasting channel Boxnation so had every right to be at the fight and was not even addressing Chisora let alone “talking smack”
Darren Mazey - February 19, 2012
Not sure if he would have won anyway, but he was definitely out of shape going into that fight.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
His aim was Vitali
I don’t think well I’m 95% sure Haye has no interest in Chisora. He thinks he’s better than him and his record and world titles you can’t really blame him. However Chisora didn’t get shamed by a Klitschko.
I think his main intention was to humiliate or piss off Vitali and make the public think about him again…and well he certainly did that just pissed off the wrong guy.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Looking at this
it looks like Haye got a beaut of a punch to Chisora’s jaw.
http://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-i-told-haye-hell-btch-slap-you-more-photos—49755
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
Look how mad Booth is
To say I just said he acted calm… he certainly didn’t look it.
It also looks like Chisora’s trainer took some beating too, to be fair he did got after Haye and then in turn got a tripod to head.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
People have been saying Haye threw the first punch, but Chisora did get up and instigate the confrontation.
He also has his fist against Haye’s jaw in the first picture.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
good find!
That kinda changes things a bit..In the video id seen it appears as if Chisora approaches & Haye swings. That pic of Chisora pushing his fist against Haye’s face just changes everything. At least from a legal stand point. Altho there’s blame enough to go around, I initially thought this confrontation was mostly Chisora’s fault as Haye’s appearance was mainly to stand 50ft away & antagonize Vitali, and these pics look like evidence to the same point.
Fat Daddy Doobs - February 19, 2012 via mobile
It's hard to tell
but it looks like Haye has a bottle or something in his hand as he hits Chisora, cos water is flying, but it looks like it’s his fist that connects, no the bottle.
In that photo at least.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
not the bottle
If he did have it in his hand he could have split his own hand open.
I know it’s heast of the moment but surely drop the bottle first, for your own safety too.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
See that tweet I showed in the article
Someone from the Times newspaper said it was a bottle of lemonade from his knowledge( he was there). It does look like his fist connected first but the next few days may reveal more.
Also alot of people are suggesting Chisora picked up a bottle but dropped it quickly. Del Boy’s trainer was also giving it some, but Haye cracked him too and with a tripod.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Yeah, Haye walloped his own trainer with the terrible tripod. :)
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
Chisora did grab a bottle..
I saw it on the vid, but it looks like he either fumbled it or it was ripped away. Its in his right hand as he’s trying to get at Haye while Haye is roughing up his trainer..lol BOTH of their trainers as it turns out!
Fat Daddy Doobs - February 19, 2012 via mobile
Well,
it all looks pretty tame compared to Argentina. That was a real, dangerous mess with real injuries. Whole nuther ballgame, this is mostly just silly, classless boxers behaving badly, no worse.
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
I have to agree.
i don’t see what happened as that big a deal really, apart from Haye having the bottle in his hand.
Fighter’s are gonna fight and sometimes a re gonna lose their rag.
I think Chisora spitting in Wlads face was more classless than what happened betwen him and Haye, although i don’t condone either.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
In that situation everyone is amped up. Face to face like that, it’s fight or flight. Decisions are made in a fraction of a second. Haye felt threatened and went for the kill. I can’t blame him. He didn’t want to get embarrassed in front of all those people.
Chisora already went 12 with the champ and he’s trying to get into another fight with the guy who is trying to steal the show by yapping without pause. lol
I don’t care if it’s wrong… I LOVE IT.
Characters are fun and it feels ok because he gave it everything he had in the ring.
Lee Payton - February 19, 2012
I agree with a lot of what you say in this and your post further up.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
BTW
what is with Dan Rafael’s constant criticism of Haye for every little thing?
I mean, i don’t like Haye much either but i don’t become obsessive about it.
I have to deduce that Haye made some kind of insult about Rafael’s excess weight at some point and Dan took it to heart. :)
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
I've noticed that
Very odd…also noticed how Warren won’t praise anyone who isn’t under him regardless of what they do as a fighter.
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Rafael really, really thinks he’s funny. He’s not, obviously – but he thinks that he is! Guy drives me nuts with his awful jokes and constant condescension. I managed to get myself blocked from his Twitter by regularly calling him out on some of the rubbish he spews; as with De La Hoya, he didn’t like it.
Oli Goldstein - February 19, 2012
Anyway, aside from all the bollocks of yesterday I reckon Haye v Chisora would be a good fight. I’d pay for it. (that’s assuming they can get the big dopey pair in the ring without killing each other)
Phill - February 19, 2012
They might have to do a poor man’s version of Lewis vs Tyson, with police lined up across the ring.
Instead of US cops though, they’d be London Bobbies. :)
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
Yep. But the mutual dislike is probably greater with these two!!
Phill - February 19, 2012
Everyone is rushing to defend Haye and bash Chisora (or worse, make the spineless “theyre both equally disgraceful” claim). Haye BROKE A FUCKING BOTTLE OVER CHISORA’S HEAD AND THREW A TRIPOD AT HIM. ON VIDEO. It really isnt hard to tell from the video. I don’t understand how Chisora was supposed to handle that differently. “Oh, you disrupted my press conference and tried to maim me after I challenged you to a boxing match? Well, agree to disagree.”
JCVD - February 19, 2012
Where’s your proof of this?
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
Exaggeration, to say the least.
the link i posted above shows pictures of whaty happened.
Matt Mosley - February 19, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWQs8nMsZNg
JCVD - February 19, 2012
Haye clearly punched Chisora. The bottle was still in his hand but that was just an oversight by Haye in my opinion. The bottle in the hand stood to do more more damage to Haye than Chisore so surely wasn’t intentional?
Darren Mazey - February 19, 2012
idk..
The pics that were shown have Chisora INITIATING physical contact by putting his fist up against Haye’s face. One of the next pics shows Haye punching Chisora cleanly in the mouth while CLEARLY holding the bottle as if were still drinking it. Didn’t “break it” over his head or even looked like he swung it as a weapon. Not sticking up for either of them btw…facts are I just didn’t see him brandish it like a weapon. Now the tripod thing…meh…he WAS getting attacked by several people at once bcuz he’d already been attacked by Chisora’s trainer at that point as well…shit happens..
Fat Daddy Doobs - February 19, 2012 via mobile
I don’t see anyone really making a hero out of either of them, and don’t see much to really get excited about. No one is hurt, just a nutty occurrence.
BoxAnne - February 19, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWQs8nMsZNg
there’s video of all of it. Its pretty clear.
JCVD - February 19, 2012
Still see no bottle being broken over Chisora’s head. Pinpoint the time if you can
Eugene Banks - February 19, 2012
If he smashed a bottle over his head wouldn't he have a nice cut like ermm....Booth?
Thomas Hill - February 19, 2012
Have v Chisora
‘TOE-JAM’
pakinpower - February 19, 2012
If i was in chrge the Haye, Chisora fight would be made and would be free to view and not pay per view. I would however make people subscribe to watch the weigh in an press conferences!!
Darren Mazey - February 19, 2012
And this isn't a personal attack on Haye, I guess, but more a fan who was just devastated by his performance in Germany.
Yes! What you say sounds like hyperbole, but I was what you might call “devastated” after Hayes loss. I really thought this guy could win, but he never looked like it in the ring. I was a huge fan of Haye, but his performance and subsequent retirement was just gross.
APG1 - February 20, 2012
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