Police seek Haye as boxers speak out over brawl

Both men issued statements yesterday after the violent clash following Chisora’s defeat by defending WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko on Saturday night, but Haye’s whereabouts are still unknown as German detectives seek to question him.

Haye stopped short of apologising for his actions, which included punching Chisora with a fist holding a glass bottle and swinging a camera tripod at Chisora’s trainer’s head.

Chisora, who had slapped Klitschko ahead of the heavyweight title defeat, was arrested by German police on Sunday before being questioned and released.

He “wholeheartedly apologised” for his “inexcusable” actions, which also saw him spit water in the face of Klitschko’s brother Wladimir and threaten to “shoot” Haye during the post-fight melee.

In a statement, the British Boxing Board of Control confirmed he will appear before stewards on March 14 “with regard to his behaviour prior, during and after” his loss to Klitschko. Haye, who claims Chisora instigated the fracas, does not have to answer to the board, having relinquished his licence when he officially retired in October. He would, however, need to re-apply if he wanted to fight again.

Munich Police yesterday reiterated their desire to speak to Haye, and said they are likely to enlist the help of Scotland Yard to track him down.

In a statement yesterday, Haye said he and his trainer/manager Adam Booth, who suffered a cut head in the brawl, returned to their hotel after the incident, but then decided it would be best to fly home early since Chisora and his team were staying at the same hotel.

Zimbabwe-born Chisora reiterated the claim he had been hit with a bottle but said in a statement: “I feel I must wholeheartedly apologise for my part in the regrettable scenes both before and after what was to be the biggest night of my career.

“Whilst my behaviour was inexcusable, there were many things that went on behind the scenes that ultimately caused my frustrations to boil over, however this is of course no excuse.”

Haye said he would assist the boxing authorities in their enquiries. “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.”

He added: “I am bitterly disappointed to have been a part of what transpired on Saturday evening.”