Chisora loses licence after Munich fiasco

The British Boxing Board of Control have withdrawn Dereck Chisora’s licence following his behaviour in Munich last month, deeming him “not a fit and proper person” to hold one.

The Londoner was involved in a number of controversial incidents before and after his WBC heavyweight title challenge against Vitali Klitschko at the Olympiahalle on March 18, slapping his opponent at the weigh-in and spitting water at the Ukrainian’s brother Wladimir just prior to the contest — which he lost on points — before becoming embroiled in a brawl with British rival David Haye at the post-fight press conference.

Chisora, already handed an indefinite ban and fine by the World Boxing Council, was called before the BBBoC in Cardiff yesterday and after a hearing which lasted around four hours, it was confirmed that the 28-year-old’s licence had been withdrawn.

Board general secretary Robert Smith said: “Dereck Chisora, by his own admission, did not behave in a manner consistent of a professional boxer and let down not only himself and his family but also all of those licence holders who behave in a professional and disciplined manner.

“The stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control want to make it absolutely clear that such behaviour by any licence holder will not be tolerated.

“Accordingly, they have decided that Dereck Chisora is not a fit and proper person to hold a British Boxing Board of Control boxer’s licence and his licence has been withdrawn with immediate effect.”

Asked if it was effectively a life ban, Smith said: “It has been withdrawn. There is no set period for when he can reapply for his license.

Smith also stressed that while the BBBoC cannot hold Haye to account because he is officially retired, they would consider his role in the events in Munich should he apply to regain his licence.

Chisora, who was smiling and laughing outside the Board headquarters as his promoter Frank Warren addressed the media, has 14 days to appeal.

The fighter spoke briefly himself, saying he was not happy about what had happened but revealing he did apologise to the BBBoC stewards – as he already had done to the wider public in a statement released shortly after the Munich episode.

He also made a cryptic comment today when asked if he had anything to say to his fans.

“Three letters – MGM, here I come,” he said.

That would appear to be a reference to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, a regular venue for high-profile fights in the United States. Coincidentally, Haye flew to Vegas less than a week after the two men scrapped in Germany, while Chisora also claimed to be flying to the resort.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission would have to decide whether to grant Chisora a licence to fight should he look to arrange a bout there.

Warren is confident Chisora’s career in the ring is not over.

“To be honest, I felt there would be some sort of ban,” Warren said.

“You have to take everything into consideration. It is very disappointing, but I suppose the message has to be sent out that some conduct is not acceptable. Everyone has to take some responsibility for what happened in Germany.