David Haye vs. Dereck Chisora

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Licensed to Thrill
Date 14 July 2012
Location Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, London, United Kingdom
Title(s) on the line WBA Intercontinental & WBO Heavyweight International titles
United Kingdom David Haye vs. United Kingdom Dereck Chisora
Hayemaker Del Boy
Tale of the tape
Lambeth, London, United Kingdom From Finchley, London, United Kingdom
25-2-0 (23 KO) Pre-fight record 15-3-0 (9 KO)
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Height 6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m)
210 lb (95,3 kg) Weight 247 lb (112 kg)
Orthodox Style Orthodox
None Recognition None
Result Haye defeats Chisora by 5 round TKO

David Haye vs. Dereck Chisora, billed as Licensed to Thrill, was a controversial boxing grudge match that took place on 14 July 2012, at the Boleyn Ground, the home of West Ham United Football Club. The fight occurred despite Dereck Chisora having had his British boxing licensed removed by the British Boxing Board of Control in March 2012. David Haye won the fight by TKO in the 5th round.[1]

Mayhem in Munich

Dereck Chisora's previous fight laid the foundation for his clash with Haye. That bout, on 18 February, ended in a unanimous decision defeat by Vitali Klitschko while challenging for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight title in the Olympiahalle, Munich.[2] The fight was overshadowed by controversy. Chisora slapped Klitschko in the face at the weigh-in on 17 February.[3] Then, as he entered the ring on 18 February, Chisora spat water in the face of his opponent's brother Wladimir Klitschko, before being defeated on a unanimous decision.

Haye and Chisora brawl

David Haye was present in the crowd at the Klitschko vs Chisora post-fight press conference. During the conference, Haye began a verbal confrontation with both Vitali Klitschko and his manager Bernd Boente,[4] challenging the WBC World Heavyweight champion to a fight. Boente claimed that Haye had already turned down the opportunity to fight Vitali Klitschko and that he would not get a second opportunity. Chisora then intervened, calling Haye an "embarrassment", to which Haye responded that Chisora had lost "three fights in a row".

Haye continued his verbal assault. Chisora then left the stage and, in front of the assembled media, the two British fighters and several bystanders became involved in a mass brawl. Haye's long-time trainer Adam Booth received a cut to the head; Booth would later accuse Chisora of striking him with a bottle during the confrontation.[5] Haye was pictured holding aloft what appeared to be a camera tripod during the melee, whilst in the aftermath, Chisora was caught on video threatening to "shoot Haye".

German authorities sought both Haye and Chisora following their involvement in the brawl. On 19 February, Dereck Chisora was arrested by German police at Munich Airport.[6] Chisora was later released without charge.[7]

On 21 February, both boxers released formal statements about the incident.[8] While Chisora "wholeheartedly" apologised for his involvement, Haye was less contrite, refusing to issue a direct apology for his involvement.

Subsequent to a hearing in March regarding the incident, Chisora had his British boxing license revoked, and the WBC initiated a motion to ban the British fighter indefinitely and fine him for his involvement.[9]

The fight is announced

The fight was announced on 8 May, from the Boleyn Ground in London. A steel fence was put in place to keep the two boxers separated during the announcement.[10] It was announced that the two men would fight at heavyweight. It was also announced that Alexander Povetkin would defend his WBA World Heavyweight Championship against Hasim Rahman on the undercard.

The fight was announced as being promoted by BoxNation in association with Team Sauerland and would be held at the Boleyn Ground, one of the largest football stadia in London, capable of hosting 40,000 spectators. Tickets went on sale on the 9 May, with over 17,000 tickets being sold on the first day of sale.[11] On 18 May, it was announced that the fight had been sanctioned by both the WBO and WBA,[12] and licensed by the Luxembourg Boxing Federation.[13]

On 11 July, it was announced that the fight would be just a 10 rounder rather than the traditional 12 rounder, with the winner receiving approximately £20,000 for charity from the loser.

Reaction to the fight

Several fighters, boxing officials and organising bodies criticised the fight after it was announced.[14][15][16] In particular, the WBC adopted a firm stance against the contest, threatening to revoke the licenses of anyone involved in the fight, including promoters, trainers, timekeepers, referees and undercard fighters.[17]

The fight also garnered plenty of support. Former British boxer Ricky Hatton said that the fighters were not breaking any rules[18] and Dereck Chisora's manager Frank Warren stated that it was the "biggest fight of the year".[19]

The fight

In front of a packed Boleyn Ground, in which 30,000 spectators attended, Dereck Chisora was the first to enter the ring, hooded and masked, to the theme from Gladiator. David Haye delayed his entrance, not beginning his approach until after his entry music, "Ain't No Stopping Us Now", had begun. The fight started slowly, with both boxers moving cautiously, though it was Haye who took the attacking initiative first. The bout heated up at the end of the third round, when Chisora caught Haye with a fierce left hook after the bell had already gone, which appeared to shock Haye. Chisora emerged at the start of the fourth round with more confidence, aiming punches towards Haye's chin. Towards the end of the fifth round, Haye connected with a series of punches, knocking Chisora to the floor. At the eighth count, Chisora regained his feet, only for Haye to land further punches. Chisora was knocked down for a second time by a left hand from Haye, and though he regained his feet again, referee Luis Pabon stepped in and awarded the bout to Haye by TKO.[20]

References

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David Haye vs. Dereck Chisora
David Haye's opponents
Preceded by
Wladimir Klitschko
2 July 2011
 Dereck Chisora
14 July 2012
David Haye vs. Dereck Chisora
Dereck Chisora's opponents
Preceded by
Vitali Klitschko
18 February 2012
 David Haye
14 July 2012		 Succeeded by
Hector Alfredo Avila
20 April 2013
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