Boxing: David Haye hits Dereck Chisora with hammer blow

Published on 14/07/2012 23:45

David Haye produced an explosive fifth-round stoppage of Dereck Chisora to win a thrilling grudge match that delivered everything it promised.

The hostilities started in Munich five months ago were ended by a stunning left hook that spelt the end of Chisora’s challenge at Upton Park.

Haye, who was being outmuscled by his heavier opponent, was in trouble before he delivered the decisive blow that sent his 28-year-old opponent to the canvas.

Chisora beat the count but referee Luis Pabon waved the fight off once he was dropped for a second time, a left hook doing the damage once again.

The preceding action had been brutal in a fascinating contrast of styles, Chisora bullying at close range while Haye wanted to keep the fight at distance.

Haye, who was conceding two and a half stones, started with ferocious intent as he fired a succession of vicious shots. But he was caught twice by Chisora, first by a left hook and then a jab in an exciting first round.

Chisora was clearly unfazed by his opponent’s aggression as he stalked him across the ring, although Haye caught him with an impressive straight right.

Both fighters continued to throw punches after the bell for the second round had sounded, though Pabon was quick to separate them.

Pabon had to intervene once more after the third once Chisora landed with a hard left hook as the rivals had failed to hear the bell.

In the fifth Chisora’s greater bulk appeared to be making the difference as he piled on the pressure, only for Haye to intervene with the one-punch power that made him such a threat.

The fight took place despite opposition from the British Boxing Board of Control, whose refusal to sanction the showdown was easily circumvented by having the anonymous Luxembourg Boxing Federation license both fighters.