Boxing action is set to return to Upton Park

The scheduled showdown between rival heavyweights Dereck Chisora and David Haye, due to take place at West Ham Football Club in July, came under fire before Tuesday’s afternoon’s press conference to announce Britain’s ‘Fight of the Year.’

Promoter Frank Warren has predicted the fight will take place, even though neither boxer is licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control, following their brawl in Munich after Chisora’s world title bout with Vitali Klitschko in February.

Chisora had his British boxing licence withdrawn indefinitely, while Haye relinquished his after retiring in October. But it is possible that under EU regulations, that the BBBC could be sidestepped and the fight could be sanctioned by another European boxing body – probably the Luxembourg Boxing Federation.

Board secretary Robert Smith insisted this week: “If the fight takes place it is definitely not good for British boxing,” while Warren’s rival promoters Frank Maloney and Barry Hearn also hit out at the contest.

“It could be the final nail in the coffin of British boxing,” said Warren’s former partner Maloney.

“Perhaps the power of the pound note speaks,” said Hearn, admitting that the controversial fight could be a big money-spinner.