Boxing

I'll merge this into the boxing thread in a day or so.


Dereck Chisora has been suspended indefinitely by the World Boxing Council for his behaviour surrounding his fight with Vitali Klitschko.

British heavyweight Chisora was involved in a violent confrontation with David Haye in the press conference after his defeat by the Ukrainian.

He slapped Klitschko at the weigh-in and spat water in the face of his brother Wladimir before the bout.

The WBC said it was "one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional."

It has demanded Chisora, 28, seeks anger management treatment before considering whether to lift the suspension.

The Londoner, ranked 14th in the WBC's heavyweight division, will also be taken out of the organisation's rankings.

Jose Sulaiman, president of the WBC, said the authority would also look to impose a "serious" fine on the Zimbabwe-born fighter.

"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," said 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."

But Chisora's manager Frank Warren told BBC Radio 5 live: "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.

"Everybody is entitled to natural justice no matter what they've done."

In the ring in Munich on 18 February, underdog Chisora showed guts in his points defeat by heavy favourite Klitschko.

But all the post-fight headlines were overshawdowed by the brawl between Chisora and former WBA champion Haye.

Chisora accused Haye of glassing him, with Haye later admitting he was holding a bottle when he punched his fellow Londoner.

Chisora threatened to shoot Haye after the clash and was detained by German police the following morning - later being released without charge. Both fighters have since apologised for their behaviour.

However, it was not the first unsavoury incident involving Chisora in the German city.

He was widely criticised for slapping a clearly-shocked Klitschko at the weigh-in, with his trainer Don Charles and Sulaiman calling his actions "unacceptable".

And, once in the ring, Chisora continued to goad the Ukrainian camp when he appeared to spit water in the direction of Wladimir's face shortly before the first bell.

Chisora is due before a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on 14 March.

BBC boxing commentator Mike Costello believes the outcome will be pivotal for Chisora's future.

He said "The ban means he can't box for any title that comes under the jurisdiction of the World Boxing Council but potentially he could still fight for one of the other three world titles.

"The most important date is 14 March and a meeting of the British Boxing Board of Control [BBBofC].

"They have his license and if they decide to ban him then his only option is leaving the country to try to get a licence - but even that won't be straight forward because they will support whatever the BBBofC decide."

BBC Sport - Dereck Chisora is given indefinite ban by World Boxing Council

Wladimir Klitschko knocks out Mormeck to defend titles

Wladimir Klitschko defended his world heavyweight title belts with a fourth-round knockout of Frenchman Jean-Marc Mormeck in Germany.

Klitschko's 50th knockout was secured with ease as Mormeck failed to cope with the Ukrainian's power.

Mormeck first hit the floor in the second round after a Klitschko right.

Klitschko, who ended the fight with a right-left combination, said: "I'm delighted to get the 50th knock-out of my career. I promised and I delivered."

more >> BBC Sport - Wladimir Klitschko knocks out Mormeck to defend titles

Didn't Haye beat that guy?

Dereck Chisora stripped of boxing licence by British Boxing Board of Control | Boxing News | ESPN.co.uk

British heavyweight Dereck Chisora has had his boxing licence withdrawn by the British Boxing Board of Control.

Already suspended indefinitely by the WBC, the former British heavyweight champion attended a misconduct hearing on Wednesday following a series of unsavoury incidents surrounding his defeat to Vitali Klitschko last month.

Chisora slapped Klitschko at the weigh-in, spat water at the Ukrainian's brother, Wladimir, before the first bell, and was involved in an ugly brawl with David Haye at the post-fight press conference which ended with the Zimbabwe-born Londoner threatening to shoot Haye.

Kell Brook for a points decision. Can see this one lasting.