Many people were not disappointed with this outcome; primarily because those in the fight game felt the disgrace heaped on the sport, should not be rewarded with what seems to be a highly lucrative bout. But nothing helps build a fight than a small (or BIG) dose of controversy.
From my personal perspective, I felt Chisora’s indefinite ban was harsh. Yes, he behaved badly pre and post Klitschko fight; that said he seemed to be wearing the punishment of both protagonists (primarily because one did not hold a license – therefore fell outside of the scope of the BBBC’s powers). If you break down the individual incidents; the initial slap was not great. This said, throughout the history of the boxing far worse has happened and fighters have not been banned or even suspended. Next up, Del Boy spat water in the face of Baby Brother. Once again not Chisora’s finest moment, but all part of the mind games and as the saying goes, ‘Worse things happen at sea’..
Finally, the piece de resistance; post-fight Haye and Chisora came together (to put it mildly). It looked bad and there is no dressing it up; it was bad! Punches were thrown and it turned into a big ugly mess. Rewind the tape though and Haye threw the first punch and it was thrown with malice (this was no WWE pantomime). So, this being the case, quite how Haye has escaped without any form of punishment is difficult to fathom?
Without launching into a full pre-fight preview, if I was Haye, I would be asking myself one important question: If I hit the guy with my best shot, without a glove on, what makes me thinking I can hurt him when the gloves have been donned?
Chisora could quite possibly be Haye’s worst nightmare. Del Boy is busy, a good puncher, he will have at least a 2 stone advantage and he has demonstrated a great chin (against Fury, Sexton and Klitschko). Haye will be the obvious bookies choice as favourite, but Chisora’s proven he is more than hype and whatever Carl Thompson can do, Del Boy can do better!!
Neil Goodman
Goodnr10@yahoo.co.uk
May 2012