04.06.09 – by James Slater – As expected, the BBB of C was unable to ignore the crazy ring actions unbeaten British heavyweight contender Derek “Del Boy” Chisora adopted in his win over fellow Brit Paul Butlin back on May 22nd in London..
Acting on the fact that the 25-year-old took it upon himself to bite Butlin’s ear in the 5th round, the BBB of C has suspended Chisora for a period of four months and the board have also fined the Londoner the not inconsiderable sum of £2,500. This news has been exclusively revealed on Boxing News Magazine’s official web site. Reportedly, the suspension began from yesterday onwards. What this in all likelihood means, is Chisora’s big fight with reigning British heavyweight champion Danny Williams – scheduled for the O2 bill in London on June 27th – is now off, for the time being at least.
According to the trade paper’s web site, Chisora has 14 days in which to issue an appeal. So far, neither the fighter himself nor anyone from his team have commented on the action taken against the 10-0(5) up-and-comer.
Quite why Chisora bit Butlin in the first place is a mystery. Winning the fight in relative comfort as he was, why did the fighter with so much promise and hope for the future risk throwing it all away by sinking his teeth into his opponent’s ear? Only Chisora himself can answer that question, but he had no adequate excuse (if there even exists such a thing!) when being interviewed post-fight back in May.
Butlin seems to think frustration at not scoring a KO may have been the reason his opponent did what he did, and he may be right. However, the two fighters had met before (with Chisora again winning on points) and in the first meeting there was ill feeling between the two men. One thing is for sure; Chisora had better make damn sure he never resorts to such unacceptable “tactics” in any future fights.
Now out (unless he wins an appeal) until October, the 25-year-old who is promoted by Frank Warren will likely sit at home and watch the June 27th card at The O2, when if he’d not done what he did he’d have been on the show. In many ways, perhaps Chisora got off somewhat lightly. Then again, at the back of his mind, “Del Boy” will be thinking about what might have been. Had he boxed 35-year-old Williams, he may well have won.
Now, with “The Brixton Bomber” almost certain to fight someone else next instead, Chisora’s big chance may have passed.