Harrison and Hide to face probe

Herbie Hide and Audley Harrison could have their licences revoked if found guilty in the British Boxing Board of Control inquiry into the Bethnal Green riot.

Hide, a summariser as Harrison beat Mathew Ellis in two rounds last night, taunted Harrison after the fight and punched at least one fan as a stampede broke out in the London venue.

Immediately beforehand, Olympic champion Harrison marked his 11th victory by seizing the ring microphone and asking fans whether his next opponent should be Frank Bruno or Hide.

Hide, who famously brawled with Michael Bentt at a pre-fight press conference in 1994, was visibly angered by the supporters’ chant of “Bruno, Bruno” and reacted furiously.

The BBBC today launched an inquiry with a serious warning to both Hide and Harrison.

BBBC general secretary Simon Block, whose organisation will assess evidence and could call both boxers to explain their actions, said: “Any licence-holder who puts themselves in that situation or is found to be responsible for that sort of situation faces very grave consequences in respect of their career.

“We’re taking this inquiry very seriously. It’s not exactly clear who was responsible for the initial disturbance.

“I can’t say what actually set off the problem but clearly the presence of Hide was a major factor in that.

“Boxers are supposed to be able to control themselves outside the ring and act accordingly.

“When Frank Bruno got in the ring with Audley, it was good-natured fun and there were no problems whatsoever.

“What sparked the problems afterwards certainly wasn’t Bruno – it was the presence of Hide. The guilt or innocence of Hide and Harrison now has to be determined.”

The BBBC probe will also focus on the actions of Harrison’s own A-Force security staff at the event and the roles of promoter Jess Harding, and the BBC in having Hide at ringside.

Block, asked if he felt security was sufficient, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Clearly it wasn’t.

“A security company has very strict guidelines under which to work – and that doesn’t include hitting people with chairs or rushing into situations.

“The promoter is responsible for employing the security company, so we’ll have to ask questions of Jess Harding.

“I’m also critical of the role of the BBC in this. I gave them a warning during the evening that they shouldn’t have Hide ringside again after the event.

“I’m not happy at all and a situation arose which reflects badly on our sport and brings us into disrepute.”