Reinstated boxer Chisora set for comeback fight

AFP
Dereck Chisora poses during a public training in Munich on February 15, 2012

LONDON (AFP) –

British boxer Dereck Chisora poses during a public training in Munich, southern Germany on February 15, 2012. Chisora, involved in a well-publicised brawl with former world champion David Haye last year, is set for a return to the ring after being reissued with a boxing licence.

British heavyweight Dereck Chisora, involved in a well-publicised brawl with former world champion David Haye last year, is set for a return to the ring after being reissued with a boxing licence.

The Londoner was stripped of his right to fight following the incident at a news conference after he unsuccessfully challenged Vitali Klitschko for the WBC heavyweight title in Munich in early 2012.

But the British Boxing Board of Control has now reinstated the Zimbabwean-born fighter and he is lined up for a comeback fight against an unnamed opponent on April 20.

“I’m glad that this whole episode is finally behind me and I can carry on with my boxing career in my own country and with a British Boxing Board of Control licence,” the 29-year-old said.

“I would like to thank everyone who has kept faith with me over the troubled months and I look forward to repaying their loyalty with my performances in the ring as opposed to my action outside of it.

“I’d like to particularly thank the Luxembourg Boxing Federation for their support.”

Chisora slapped Klitschko at their weigh-in and spat water in the face of his opponent’s brother, Wladimir, Chisora became embroiled in the brawl with Haye after the fight.

He met Haye in the ring at West Ham United football club’s Upton Park ground in July last year to settle their argument but had to use Luxembourg licences because Chisora’s was withdrawn and Haye was technically retired.

Former WBA champion Haye stopped Chisora in five rounds on a rain-soaked night in east London.