Chisora Suspended by WBC

Dereck Chisora has been suspended indefinitely by the World Boxing Council for his behaviour before and after his fight with Vitali Klitschko.

British heavyweight Chisora was involved in a brawl with countryman David Haye at the news conference after his defeat by the Ukrainian in Munich.

Chisora also slapped Klitschko at the weigh-in and spat water in the face of his brother Wladimir before the bout.

“I don't understand how someone can be banned without having a hearing. I've never ever heard of anything like that. There's been no hearing”Frank WarrenChisora's manager

The WBC said it was "one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional".

The body demanded Chisora, 28, seeks anger management treatment before considering whether to lift the suspension.

Jose Sulaiman, president of the WBC, said the authority would also look to impose a "serious" fine on the Zimbabwe-born fighter.

The Londoner, ranked 14th in the WBC's heavyweight division, will also be taken out of the organisation's rankings.

"The WBC is absolutely condemning behaviours that are not to be accepted in boxing under any circumstances and will act as soon as it can proceed to impose the fines and sanctions as we consider necessary," said a statement issued by the organisation.

"Boxers are gentlemen and show to the world an example of honour and fair play when, after a tremendous battle, they go to the centre of the ring to pay respect to each other.

"Dereck Chisora is not going to tarnish the sport for those born in the humblest beds, who become sports heroes of the world to live a life of dignity and pride."

Chisora is due before a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on 14 March, and his manager Frank Warren told BBC Radio 5 live: "I don't understand how someone can be banned without having a hearing. I've never ever heard of anything like that. There's been no hearing.

"There were some things which he did which absolutely were wrong and he shouldn't have done, and I'm not condoning that but there were a lot of things happening behind the scenes. All this stuff needs to be taken into consideration before anyone decides what happened.

"Everybody is entitled to natural justice no matter what they've done."

“"It's an indication of how a lot of people in boxing are feeling. It means he can't box for any title that comes under the jurisdiction of the World Boxing Council but potentially he could still fight for one of the other three world titles”

Mike CostelloBBC boxing commentator

Underdog Chisora earned plenty of plaudits despite his points defeat by heavy favourite Klitschko in Munich on 18 February.

But all the post-fight headlines were overshadowed by the brawl between Chisora and former WBA champion Haye, who lost to Wladimir Klitschko in July.

Chisora accused Haye of glassing him, with Haye later admitting he was holding a bottlewhen he punched his fellow Briton.

Chisora threatened to shoot Haye after the clash and was detained by German police the following morning, though he was later released without charge. Haye, who has officially retired from the sport, left the country without speaking to police. Both fighters have since apologised for their behaviour.

BBC boxing commentator Mike Costello believes the outcome of the BBBofC hearing will be pivotal for Chisora's future.

"They have his licence and if they decide to ban him then his only option is leaving the country to try to get a licence - but even that won't be straight forward because they will support whatever decision the BBBofC come to," Costello told BBC Radio 5 live.

Warren Says Boxing Row Unacceptable

Dereck Chisora's promoter Frank Warren has called his boxer's brawl with fellow Brit David Haye"unacceptable".

The pair clashed at the post-fight news conference in Munich after Chisora was beaten by Vitali Klitschko.

Warren told BBC Radio 5 live's Sportsweek: "It was unacceptable. It is stupid. It does not do anybody's sport any favours - boxing or whatever.

"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"

"It is just ridiculous. It takes away from what was a gallant showing from Dereck in the ring."

Warren, who admitted he did not see the incident clearly until German police showed him video evidence, expects the British Boxing Board of Control to take prompt action.

He added: "They will have their own investigation. It is something we could certainly do without in boxing. It was just awful and I am sure the board will take appropriate action to deal with it.

"I would like to see a proper inquiry with people with cool, calm and collected heads to view the video and make a decision.

"What punishment can they give them? If Dereck Chisora is found guilty of misconduct then they have a process to deal with it."

WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko has called for both boxers to be punished following the brawl.

Klitschko, the younger brother of Vitali, had water spat at him by Chisora in the ring just before Saturday night's fight started.

He said: "It is the sport of boxing and we do not need theatre like that.

"It is all about the ring and the fighting in the ring - not outside.

"I am really surprised. This behaviour is really not acceptable. Outside of the ring it has to be punished and [they must] pay the penalty.

"The spitting of water in the ring is not right, we have to respect each other. That is definitely something that these guys are not giving."

British Boxing Board of Control General Secretary Robert Smithwas left angered by the incident.

He said: "I am extremely disappointed and disgusted really.

"It does not do the sport any good or Britain any good. Unfortunately it was like Brits abroad and I am very disappointed.

"You wake up in the morning and someone's just fought for the world heavyweight title and we are talking about something else - that is really disappointing."

Smith hinted that the brawl may hamper any future applications from Haye to have his boxing licence renewed should he decide to come out of retirement.

"We would have to go through the normal process and deal with any outstanding matters which have to be considered," he said.

"First of all we would have to listen to what David Haye has to say but he has not done himself any good and neither has Mr Chisora."

BBC boxing correspondent Mike Costello described the altercation as a "disgrace" that heaped more controversy on the sport after Chisora slapped Klitschko at the pre-fight weigh-in.

He said: "Adam Booth, Haye's trainer, who worked with us on the BBC at the fight, was left with blood streaming down a cut on the centre of his face and, after the slapping incident at Friday's weigh-in, this was a disgrace on a completely different level."