• David Haye v Dereck Chisora

Haye v Chisora lands American TV deal

Dan Rafael
June 20, 2012
David Haye v Dereck Chisora has generated plenty of public interest in the UK © PA Photos
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Dereck Chisora's fight against David Haye on July 14 at Upton Park has become one of the most talked-about fights on the boxing calendar, even though it will not be fought for a world title.

The pair have stirred up massive controversy because of the ugly incident that took place between them after Chisora lost a decision to WBC champion Vitali Klitschko on February 14 in Germany.

At the news conference following the bout, Chisora and Haye got into a heated verbal exchange. They threatened each other, called each other out and, finally, Chisora walked off towards Haye.

They wound up brawling for all the cameras to see, and Chisora, and Haye's trainer/manager Adam Booth, were hit by bottles resulting in the now-classic Chisora cry: "He glassed me!"

Many were up in arms over the immature and dangerous display. The police became involved, Chisora had his British licence revoked and Haye, who handed in his licence when he retired in October 2011, was unlikely to be given another if he wanted one.

British boxing regulators refused to sanction the fight, so promoter Frank Warren got the Luxembourg commission to step in and oversee the fight, which is allowable under European Union trade rules.

Warren said more than 17,000 tickets were sold almost immediately after they went on sale. Chisora-Haye might be one of the most compelling fights in boxing, just based on the violent scene from the press conference and the fact that both fighters trash-talk like few others in the sport.

American fight fans will be able to see it live now that premium network Epix, as it has done for many European fights (especially recent significant heavyweight fights), has secured US rights to the bout.

The fight will stream live at EpixHD.com and be shown on the Jumbotron in Times Square in New York.

This article originally appeared on ESPN.com

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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