David Haye
It is with regret that I feel I have to issue this statement
to clarify certain matters, following an unfortunate incident that occurred on
Saturday night (February 18) in Munich, Germany at the Vitali Klitschko vs.
Dereck Chisora post-fight press conference.
I was in Munich to watch the WBC world heavyweight title
bout between Klitschko and Chisora and provide punditry for BoxNation, and
accredited as such.
During the post-fight press conference, I was stood at the
back of the room. It wasn't until Bernd Boente said my name and involved me in
the press conference that I commented. I was then happy to banter back and
forth with Boente and Klitschko, keen to ascertain whether he (Vitali) would
stay true to his word and reiterate his desire to do what his younger brother
couldn't do - knock me out. I felt as though the public would want to hear more
information about this potential bout and that we could both start beating the
drum ahead of a showdown later this year.
However, at this point Chisora began firing insults at me
from his position on the top table. In fact, he has recently made a habit of
saying derogatory things about me in the press.
Moments before declaring he wanted to go face-to-face with
me, Chisora assured the gathered media that he would give me 'two slaps'.
Chisora had, of course, already been shrouded in controversy that weekend.
Despite this, Chisora climbed down from the top table,
removed his robe and then walked towards me, entourage in tow, in an aggressive
manner. I held my ground, but, unfortunately, he caused a serious disturbance
to occur, something which threatened to damage the reputation of the sport we
both love.
Regrettably, some members of his entourage also encouraged the chaos.
Regrettably, some members of his entourage also encouraged the chaos.
Nevertheless, Chisora and I soon separated, brushed
ourselves down and moved in opposite directions.
The confrontation then reignited, however, and both Don
Charles and Adam Booth became involved in the mess. Adam suffered a cut to the
head.
Thankfully, it didn't take long for the ruckus to again
settle down. It was then that I heard Chisora say he planned to 'shoot me
dead'.
I decided to leave the venue and return to my hotel, a move
which I hoped would diffuse the situation. However, Chisora's team were staying
at the same hotel as me and, in light of the threats Chisora had made in front
of the world's media, it seemed far more appropriate for me and Adam to leave
the hotel as quickly as possible.
Consequently, I left Munich on an earlier flight on Sunday
morning and have been thinking about what happened ever since, as well as
replaying the incident many times via YouTube. It goes without saying, I am
bitterly disappointed to have been a part of what transpired on Saturday
evening.
I realise I am no angel - and don't mind a bit of
professional trash-talk to help raise boxing's profile - but, during my 21
years in the sport, I have never been involved in, or even witnessed, such a
serious fracas. If requested, I shall happily assist the boxing authorities
with any investigation they wish to launch and, ultimately, hope that all
lessons learned from this incident will be implemented.
I also hope Dereck Chisora is able to learn from his
mistakes this past weekend, right the wrongs and then go on to fulfil his
potential in the boxing ring.