Archive for the ‘Boxing’ Category

Dereck Chisora: Banned indefinitely after behaviour in Munich

World Boxing Council president Jose Sulaiman has claimed the body will hold a proper hearing “as soon as possible” despite already handing Dereck Chisora an indefinite ban and heavy fine following his behaviour before and after his heavyweight title bout with Vitali Klitschko in Munich.

Chisora slapped his Ukrainian opponent at the weigh-in and spat water at Klitschko’s brother Wladimir just prior to the contest, before being embroiled in a brawl with British rival David Haye at the post-fight press conference.

The WBC confirmed the ban on Tuesday in a statement, in which they said they were “demanding Chisora take anger management medical treatment after which his suspension will be reconsidered”.

Chisora’s promoter Frank Warren hit out at their comments and questioned how a punishment could be issued without an official process.

Mistake

Sulaiman, however, insists there will in fact be a hearing and insists there is light at the end of the tunnel for Chisora if he meets their demands.

“He is a human being so we’re not going to put him in the trash. He made a mistake. He must pay for the mistake but also we have to give him another opportunity.”WBC president Jose Sulaiman Quotes of the week

“We’d like to have the doctors certify it and if they say he is approved we would definitely consider (ending the ban),” he told Sky Sports News HD.

“He is a human being so we’re not going to put him in the trash. He made a mistake. He must pay for the mistake but also we have to give him another opportunity.

“We’re going to have a hearing. The attorney representing the WBC is Steven Beverley. He will be in charge of the hearing.

“It will take place as soon as possible. We’re asking our representative to go ahead and do the hearing immediately.”

Sulaiman added: “He needs it (anger management therapy). I’ve never seen before, in my 67 years in boxing, someone behave with so much anger, so much hate.”

Warren, commenting on the WBC statement, earlier said: “Is Jose Sulaiman a qualified psychiatrist or does he have any medical qualifications?

“Until someone who does examines or talks about Chisora – if indeed that is what needs to be done – then I would say he is not qualified to say that.

“I find the find the whole thing bizarre, unbelievably strange.”

Chisora, who was beaten on points by WBC champion Klitschko at the Olympiahalle, has issued an apology for his part in events surrounding the fight and faces a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on March 14.

The 28-year-old has been left “very disappointed” by Tuesday’s statement from the WBC, and Warren said of the organisation’s decision: “Really, what is going on here is that this is a rushed judgement without any process.

“Considering the BBBofC have got the hearing on March 14, how on earth can anyone consider this to be fair?

“I spoke to Dereck and he is very disappointed. He has made an apology for his actions and I’m not saying that is the end of the matter because it is not – there should be a hearing, because there are a lot of issues, not just with Dereck Chisora, that need to be considered before decisions are made.

“What he is disappointed with, the same as me, is that those decisions should be made based upon evidence given by the parties concerned.”

Legacy

“I think it is really something that damaged the legacy of boxing. I heard about the apology he made and I don’t believe in it or accept it.”Wladimir Klitschko Quotes of the week

In his apology, Chisora admitted his actions had been “inexcusable” and the WBC have declared he had committed “one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional boxer”.

While Chisora was arrested then released without charge following the brawl, Haye left Germany and is wanted for questioning.

The WBC statement made no mention of Haye, who is currently unlicensed, and asked about the prospect of the two fighters meeting in the ring, Warren said: “Certainly at the moment, it is not on the agenda.”

Meanwhile, Wladimir Klitschko has claimed Chisora “damaged the legacy of boxing” with his actions and says he is unconvinced by the Briton’s apology.

“I think the behaviour that Dereck Chisora showed at the weigh-in and before and after the fight has to be punished,” Klitschko told Sky Sports News HD.

“Such behaviour should be stopped because otherwise we are going to set a bad example for the fans and the youth.

“I think it is really something that damaged the legacy of boxing. I heard about the apology he made and I don’t believe in it or accept it.”

David Price says he has already put Tyson Fury behind him as he prepares to take on Sam Sexton on May 19.

Price will fight for the British heavyweight title vacated by Fury, who opted to take a different career route rather than clash with the Liverpudlian who was the mandatory challenger.

“He’s a good defensive fighter, he’s got good speed and he’s going to be dangerous.”David Price Quotes of the week

But the 28-year-old, who has won all-but two of his 12 fights by stoppage, told Sky Sports that Sexton was taking all his attention.

“I’ve moved on from the Tyson Fury debacle and it’s time for me to focus on Sam Sexton, who is a very good fighter and needs 100 percent of my attention,” said Price.

“I can’t dwell on the past and I’m looking forward to the fight.

“It’s going to be a tough fight I know that for sure. In my career I like to progress in each fight with a more difficult opponent.

“I consider Sam is the best I’ll have faced so far. He’s a good defensive fighter, he’s got good speed and he’s going to be dangerous because he’s a 17st man and at this weight anything can happen.”

“If people are saying it’s his last chance, that makes him more dangerous than ever. Boxing’s a sport where one fight can change everything, and if Sam beats me it will propel his career back up to where it was.

“Things are going really well for me and there’s a lot on the line for me too. I believe I’ve got a big future in the sport so to get Sam Sexton out the way is a really important fight.”

Mayweather (l): Plenty of respect for Cotto

Floyd Mayweather Jr insists he will not take Miguel Cotto lightly after agreeing to step up to light-middleweight to face the WBC champion in Las Vegas on May 5.

Mayweather Jr (42-0, 26 KOs) has only previously fought in the 154lbs weight division once in his distinguished career, when landing the WBC strap with a split decision over Oscar De La Hoya in May, 2007.

However the 35-year-old is excited to be facing Cotto, who has the experience, heart and determination to give the pound-for-pound king the toughest fight of his career.

“Miguel Cotto is a world-class fighter who can never be taken for lightly and continues to prove he is one of the best in boxing,” said Mayweather.

“It will be a challenge for me to compete with him at this weight, but this is the type of test I thrive on and gives me the motivation to train even harder.

“I have no doubt in my mind that my title belt collection will increase once again and Cotto’s reign as champion will come to an end on May 5.”

Undefeated Mayweather, a seven-time world champion in five weight divisions, remains boxing’s biggest attraction after wins over world champions such as Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Shane Mosley.

His last fight against then-WBC welterweight world champion Victor Ortiz last September saw him take his younger opponent to school in the first three rounds before knocking him out in the fourth.

Competitive

But Cotto, coming off of the second defence of his title, a convincing 10th-round stoppage of Antonio Margarito in December, is ready to face Mayweather and believes he is “The Money’s” most competitive career challenge to date.

“I am here to fight the biggest names in boxing,” said Cotto Cotto (37-2, 30 KOs), who has held a world title every year since 2004 while winning 16 of the 18 world championship bouts in which he has fought.

“I’ve never ducked anyone or any challenge in front of me. I have accepted everything to give the fans what they like … great and exciting fights.

“That is what the sport of boxing is all about; making the fights that the fans want and deserve to see. On May 5, stay tuned, because I will convincingly beat Floyd Mayweather.”

Frank Warren: Blasted WBC over decision to ban Dereck Chisora

Promoter Frank Warren has lashed out at the World Boxing Council for banning Dereck Chisora indefinitely without going through a full disciplinary process.

After the Zimbabwe-born Londoner was outpointed by WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko on February 18, Chisora became involved in a Munich altercation with David Haye that ended up with the two British boxers brawling at a post-fight press conference.

“At the end of the day, you are entitled to a hearing before anybody makes a decision. “Frank Warren Quotes of the week

Chisora, 28, was arrested before being released by German police after also slapping Klitschko in the face at the pre-fight weigh-in.

Strange

A furious Warren said: “What I find strange about this is that there hasn’t been a hearing.

“Somebody arbitrarily saying ‘you’re banned’ can’t be any form of natural justice. Even the police in Germany let Dereck go after questioning.

“A lot of things happened behind the scenes. There were some things which he did which absolutely were wrong and he shouldn’t have done, and I’m not condoning that.

“But, at the end of the day, you are entitled to a hearing before anybody makes a decision.

“There were many things that went on behind the scenes that ultimately caused my frustrations to boil over. However, this is of course, no excuse.”

Dereck Chisora has been banned indefinitely by the World Boxing Council following his conduct before and after his title fight against Vitali Klitschko.

The British heavyweight failed in his bid to take the WBC belt from defending champion Klitschko in Munich on February 18.

“The WBC will also take off from the WBC rankings the name of Dereck Chisora and declare an indefinite suspension against fighting again for a WBC title, while demanding Chisora to take an anger management medical treatment after which his suspension will be reconsidered.”WBC statement Quotes of the week

In the post-fight press conference Chisora became embroiled in a brawl with British rival David Haye, though he was released without charge after being questioned by German police.

The 28-year-old had already courted controversy before the bout by slapping his Ukrainian opponent at the weigh-in. He then spat water at Klitschko’s brother Wladimir ahead of the opening bell at the Olympiahalle.

In a statement the WBC declared Chisora had committed “one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional boxer” and said the suspension would not be reconsidered until he had undertaken anger management classes.

He has also been hit with a “serious fine”, which will be determined later at a hearing, and immediately removed from the WBC’s rankings.

Condemnation

“The WBC is absolutely condemning the 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,” the statement read.

“The WBC is imposing a serious fine to be finally determined after the hearing.

“The WBC will also take off from the WBC rankings the name of Dereck Chisora and declare an indefinite suspension against fighting again for a WBC title, while demanding Chisora to take an anger management medical treatment after which his suspension will be reconsidered.”

The WBC statement made no mention of Haye, who is currently unlicensed after announcing his retirement towards the end of last year. The former WBA champion left Germany after the altercation and is still wanted for questioning.

Chisora has been summoned to appear before a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on March 14.

Dereck Chisora has been banned indefinitely by the World Boxing Council following his conduct before and after his title fight against Vitali Klitschko.

The British heavyweight failed in his bid to take the WBC belt from defending champion Klitschko in Munich on February 18.

“The WBC will also take off from the WBC rankings the name of Dereck Chisora and declare an indefinite suspension against fighting again for a WBC title, while demanding Chisora to take an anger management medical treatment after which his suspension will be reconsidered.”WBC statement Quotes of the week

In the post-fight press conference Chisora became embroiled in a brawl with British rival David Haye, though he was released without charge after being questioned by German police.

The 28-year-old had already courted controversy before the bout by slapping his Ukrainian opponent at the weigh-in. He then spat water at Klitschko’s brother Wladimir ahead of the opening bell at the Olympiahalle.

In a statement the WBC declared Chisora had committed “one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional boxer” and said the suspension would not be reconsidered until he had undertaken anger management classes.

He has also been hit with a “serious fine”, which will be determined later at a hearing, and immediately removed from the WBC’s rankings.

Condemnation

“The WBC is absolutely condemning the 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,” the statement read.

“The WBC is imposing a serious fine to be finally determined after the hearing.

“The WBC will also take off from the WBC rankings the name of Dereck Chisora and declare an indefinite suspension against fighting again for a WBC title, while demanding Chisora to take an anger management medical treatment after which his suspension will be reconsidered.”

The WBC statement made no mention of Haye, who is currently unlicensed after announcing his retirement towards the end of last year. The former WBA champion left Germany after the altercation and is still wanted for questioning.

Chisora has been summoned to appear before a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on March 14.

Wladimir Klitschko is not expecting his heavyweight title defence against Jean-Marc Mormeck on Saturday night to be an easy one.

Klitschko, who holds the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO and Ring Magazine titles, will be taking part in his 60th fight against the Frenchman in Dusseldorf.

And if believes that experience will be crucial when he takes on the former cruiserweight champion, who will be giving away around seven centimetres in height and 30lb in weight.

“It is extremely difficult to box against a man who is a lot shorter,” he said. “It does not make my job easier.

“I am ready for this challenge. I still have the hunger and I do not take this fight lightly.

“When you see how he talks, looks and moves then that shows he has the will and determination to become the first world heavyweight champion from France.”

Mormeck insists he has nothing to fear despite having had only three fights at heavyweight since he lost his titles to David Haye more than four years ago.

“I have an iron will and am tough. I fear no one and that is my mental strength,” said the Frenchman. “Does he have that as well?”

However, the likelihood is that this will be just another easy payday for the younger of the Klitschko brothers, with Mormeck inactive for 14 months and due to turn 40 in the summer.

David Haye: Was only defending himself against Chisora

David Haye insists he was acting in self-defence when he clashed with Dereck Chisora in Munich last week.

“What am I supposed to do? I’ve got to close the show.”David Haye Quotes of the week

But while the former world heavyweight champion admits he wishes he hadn’t gone to the press conference where the fight took place, he said fellow-Brit Chisora was the one to blame for the unseemly brawl.

Chisora has since apologised for his actions, but Haye has not and told That Sunday Night Show he has no desire to fight him in the ring.

“He comes over to me, in my face, I feel his knuckles in my face, what am I supposed to do? I’ve got to close the show,” he said.

“Look at all the camera angles. I had no other option. I could have stood there with my hands by my side and got punched, kicked or spat at. The guy has said on national television he is going to beat me up and break my jaw. Why wouldn’t I defend myself?

“I’ve got no desire to fight Dereck Chisora inside the ring or outside the ring. He’s lost his last three fights.”

Bottle

Haye accepts the unsavoury incident looked even worse because his hand was holding a bottle when he punched Chisora.

“I can understand how that looks but I was there as part of the media. It wasn’t a beer, either – it was a bottle of lemonade.

“It was a glass bottle but I didn’t hit him with that bottle – I hit him with my fist. If I’d had my mobile phone in my hand, it would have been a mobile phone. If I’d had a hot dog in my hand, it would have been (that).

“If I could rewind time, of course I wouldn’t go down there (to the press conference). But you can’t rewind time.”

The British Boxing Board of Control will hold an inquiry into the incident next month, when Chisora’s licence could be revoked.