Of course, within hours of the brawl that saw Chisora hit with a bottle, speculation was rife over whether or not the whole thing had been an intricate promotional happening, in order to sell a fight between the two involved. Others believe that it was simply bought about due to both Haye and Chisora, having fiery tempers, and next to no regard when it comes to rules and regulations. A quick look at both of the fighters pasts will probably point towards the latter.
Neither boxer has a track record to be completely proud of, and both seem to thrive upon finding new ways to gain the media's attention; most frequently ones that leave a bad taste in the mouths of those involved. Chisora has in the past been banned for biting an opponents ear, kissed a fighter in the pre-fight stare down, and was once reprimanded for assaulting his girlfriend. Haye on the other hand was in and out of the news during the long winding build up to his world title clash with Wladimir Klitschko, attracting attention with such acts as wearing a t-shirt with the Klitschko brothers heads decapitated, and being held aloft by a cartoon representation of himself.
Aside from all the petty squabbling and of course the now famous brawl between the two, it could be said that it's more important now not to keep going back to how or why they did what they did, but how they're looking back on the matter.
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| Chisora returns home a shamed man. |
Derek Chisora was detained by German authorities as he tried to leave Munich, merely hours after the press-conference turned boxing ring. He released a statement citing his regret for his actions:
"I feel I must wholeheartedly apologise for my part in the regrettable scenes both before and after what was to be the biggest night of my career."
"I have let my family, my team and worst of all the sport I love down. I acknowledge that my actions were totally unprofessional."
"I have let lots of people down on Saturday night, including myself, and for that I am truly sorry."
So Chisora it seems if nothing else, has been reflecting on his own actions and maybe finally something will click in him that makes him aware he simply cannot act in the same manner as he did, both pre and post fight against Vitali Klitschko. Of course there is the chance that the words were scripted by somebody behind the scenes with a little more brainpower, but Chisora will get the benefit of the doubt as his words sounded strangely sincere. Currently there has been no action taken in regards to his license, and as he cooperated fully with the German authorities, he was released without charge. However, the British Board of Boxing has set a date of March 14th, for a hearing to analyse his actions not only post-fight but also before it.
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| Haye, who left Munich before he could be questioned. |
Now to the other half of the Munich madness, David Haye. Haye has a history of appearing arrogant and cocky whilst putting on displays that wind up opponents, to say the least. This latest stunt however is one step over the line, and even he seemed to have realised the stupidity of his actions:
"It is with regret that I feel I have to issue this statement to clarify certain matters, following an unfortunate incident that occurred on Saturday night."
"It goes without saying, I am bitterly disappointed to have been part of what transpired on Saturday evening."
"I realise I am no angel- and don't mind a bit of professional trash-talk to help raise boxing's profile- but, during my 21 years in the sport, I have never been involved in, or even witnessed, such a serious fracas."
"I also hope Derek Chisora is able to learn from his mistakes this past weekend, right the wrongs then go on to fulfil his potential in the boxing ring."
With these comments in mind, it appears that neither fighter is under the impression that their actions were righteous ones. Although Haye didn't formally state an apology for what had happened, it does seem as though he understands the seriousness of the events and the consequences that have echoed around the boxing world. As Haye is technically retired from the sport, and no longer holds his boxing license, there can be no action taken towards him by the British Boxing Board. Although, it might hinder his chances of regaining a new license should he wish to step into the ring once more. Haye's trainer, Adam Booth, who was also involved in the press-conference incident, was quoted in saying that Haye will "never fight Chisora" and that his time in professional boxing might actually be over for good.
Both Derek and David have reflected in a mature manner, and one that might hold them in better stead for the future should they continue with this attitude. It will remain to be seen however if either of the pair, well renown for their dubious antics, will rectify their position in future instances, or whether this is simply yet another blotch on their already tarnished time lines.
For more information and the full statements see:
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