By Johnny Walker
In what seems like a stunning blow to the British Boxing Board of Control, Frank Warren, promoter of the upcoming grudge bout featuring feuding UK heavyweights David Haye and Dereck “Del Boy” Chisora, has announced that both the WBO and the WBA have now sanctioned the fight.
The BBBoC has threatened to pull the licenses of anyone involved with Haye vs Chisora, but their power to do so is limited by free trade laws which allows boxing boards from other countries–in this case the Luxembourg Boxing Federation–to stage events in the UK.
The undercard will also feature WBA “regular” heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin defending his title against former WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman. Povetkin vs Rahman was initially announced for the card, to be held at the West Ham soccer facility in London, but the bout was later said to be headed to Germany due to the air of uncertainty hanging over the promotion.
Due to their concerns about the morality of the event and the headlining fighters, the BBBoC has threatened to try to get the UK government involved in stopping this fight–ironic, considering that the Board had no problem sanctioning convicted rapist Mike Tyson to fight twice in the UK after he had bitten off Evander Holyfield’s ear.
With this development, however, the BBBoC’s case appears to be weaker than ever.
FULL STATEMENT FROM FRANK WARREN
HAYE v CHISORA SANCTIONED BY WBO AND WBA
It was confirmed today that David Haye and Dereck Chisora’s heavyweight showdown on Saturday 14th July will be for the WBO International and WBA Intercontinental titles.
The pair meet in one of the most eagerly awaited fights in recent years at West Ham United’s Boleyn Ground in East London, live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).
The British Boxing Board of Control are both affiliated with WBO and WBA organisations.
Paco Valcarcel, president of the WBO, said, “We have to go ahead and approve the fight. The Luxembourg Boxing Federation is a member of the WBO and the problem is between the LBF and the British Boxing Board of Control, not the LBF and the WBO.”
Also confirmed for the “Licensed To Thrill” card, being staged by BoxNation in association with Team Sauerland and Hayemaker Boxing Ltd, is Alexander Povetkin’s WBA World Heavyweight title defence against former WBC/IBF Champion Hasim Rahman on the show which will be sanctioned by the Luxembourg Boxing Federation.
