GERMAN prosecutors have confirmed that David Haye and Dereck Chisora are suspected of offences punishable by prison sentences, according to reports. The BBC reported that police suspect Haye of grievous bodily harm. If the former world heavyweight champion were found guilty, he would face a minimum term of six months in jail.
Chisora, who was released without charge after being detained in Munich Airport yesterday, is suspected of malicious injury, which could carry a sentence of up to five years, as well as a ‘threat’, which if proved could be punished by a fine or a jail term of up to one year.
The boxers clashed in the press conference following Chisora’s defeat at the hands of WBC champion Vitali Klitschko.
Chisora mocked Haye, who was covering the fight for television, for his poor performance in losing to Vitali’s brother Wladimir last year and tried to talk him into an all-British fight after the Klitschkos’ manager said the brothers were finished with British fighters after protestations from Haye at the back of the room.
Haye has released a statement to say he will assist the authorities in any investigation – but stopped short of saying sorry for his part in what happened.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.
“During the post-fight press conference, I stood at the back of the room … 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 …. 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.
“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’.”
Police visited Haye’s hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning to question him about the incident, but could not track the former world heavyweight champion down.
“I decided to leave the venue and return to my hotel, a move which I hoped would diffuse the situation,” Haye continued. “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. (Eurosport)