By Phenyo Molefe: “Either we do it in the ring or outside of the ring. Because I want him. If David don’t fight me, Adam, I am telling you the God’s honest truth, I am going to physically burn him. So you tell him I said that. I am going to find him”- Chisora
In the aftermath of their notorious brawl in Munich; David Haye and Dereck Chisora have remained in the headlines. They have been subjected to much criticism and often time been ridiculed within boxing circles, main stream media and the general public.
The streets are talking and opinions refuse to be silenced, their brawl remains the most discussed feature of the year. I have worn the replay button thin as I have tried to ascertain all that which unfolded at the Chisora- Klitschko post-fight press conference. I can understand why there has been an uproar; these fighters conducted themselves in a manner in which cast negative light in some quarters of boxing. There is very little that I can say to justify the events which unfolded that evening. It was sheer mayhem and could have got far worse than that which we bore witness to. It is alleged that German police are still waiting for an opportune moment to bring David Haye in for questioning. Do not be fooled, what took place in Munich could have had some devastating impact on David’s or Dereck’s livelihood and for those around them.
I will be the first to admit that these two fighters are no angels, their paths are not perfect, although what transpired in Munich raised much controversy we must awake to the fact that this is boxing. Brawls are not uncommon to boxing and the history we call our own and I could run through an endless array of examples featuring great and average fighters alike. Although I am not here to excuse it, in any sport we have noted emotions boil and egos erupt. These two men are fighters, they should have perhaps exercised greater restraint but let us remember they are not without sin nor are they competing for a prize in a monastery.
The British Boxing Board of Control has done its best to pour water over this fight and threatened anyone who dares to involve themselves with this bout. They were justified in banning Chisora from further bouts until they deemed him fit to fight, and in an ideal world, Chisora would have served his sentence, complied with their requirements and only then initiated a bout with David Haye. However I think Frank Warren knows all too well that should they further delay, David Haye may retire and public interest in this bout may wane and the coffers would be found lacking; thus in business terms going the Luxembourg route makes perfect sense.
I have heard people cast “Licensed to Thrill” as a freak show or a circus of sorts, and its participants as bums not fit to fight within the squared ring. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion however I would discourage any ill found notion that this fight is meaningless. Most of you will be watching this fight to see how these men settle their first encounter, and even those who have damned this bout will be secretly watching behind closed curtains.
In the earlier two pieces I sought to reflect about these two fighters and that which they may present later tonight. They are undeniably talented and both have in recent time been beaten by the Klitschkos one has gained some admires and another has perhaps been met with disappointment. However neither of these two men can be written off, they will bring forth hell if it so requires. This fight has captured us all, because we know that there is too much at stake for this to be an ordinary bout. They will be coming in there in search of some form of redemption and will not be afraid to engage in brutal combat. Although involvement in this bout will result in consequences for either fighter from some levels in boxing structures; the winner will walk away in a far elevated position in terms of his respective boxing career.
In my opinion, David Haye has greater knock out power, even though he has spoken of knocking Chisora out in the earlier rounds, he too knows it is unlikely. Chisora has the greater ability to absorb punishment and I give the edge in terms of conditioning and stamina. David has not fought in over a year whereas Chisora has remained quite active. However let be noted, David’s speed and athleticism are some of the best I have seen in any heavyweight in recent years and tonight those will form part of his arsenal. I do not see Chisora dramatically changing his style, he is going to come in there like a locomotive, smoking feverishly and he is going to do his best to put pressure on Haye. David’s best chances will be realised if he makes this a boxing match while Chisora will stand in greater advantage if he is able to turn this into a brawl at close range as this is where he is most effective. May this fight be without careless incident and I call upon boxing’s gods to shine great light on this fight and allow us an opportunity to see two evenly match gladiators settle their difference within the squared ring.
Men impassioned by a cause often find themselves rising above prescribed constraints and falsely created abbreviations.