Boxing: Chisora hit by indefinite WBC ban for fight antics

David Haye (right) hits Dereck Chisora during their press conference brawl in Germany (Reuters)

Dereck Chisora has been handed an indefinite ban and heavy fine by the World Boxing Council following his behaviour before and after his heavyweight title fight with Vitali Klitschko earlier this month.

Chisora slapped his opponent at the weigh-in and spat water at Klitschko's brother Wladimir, before being embroiled in a brawl with British rival David Haye at the post-fight press conference.

In a statement the World Boxing Council declared Chisora had committed "one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional boxer" and said the ban would not be reconsidered until Chisora had undertaken anger management classes.

In reality the WBC's ban is unlikely to impact on Chisora's existing options. He was unlikely to fight for their title again anyway, and faces a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on 14 March at which he can expect a lengthy ban.

The WBC statement said: "The WBC is absolutely condemning the 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.

"The WBC is imposing a serious fine to be finally determined after the hearing. The WBC will also take off from the WBC rankings the name of Dereck Chisora and declare an indefinite suspension against fighting again for a WBC title, while demanding Chisora to take an anger management medical treatment after which his suspension will be reconsidered."