Dereck Chisora given indefinite ban by World Boxing Council

Dereck Chisora has been suspended indefinitely by the World Boxing Council for his behaviour before and after his fight with Vitali Klitschko.

British heavyweight Chisora was involved in a brawl with countryman David Haye at the news conference after his defeat by the Ukrainian in Munich.

Chisora also slapped Klitschko at the weigh-in and spat water in the face of his brother Wladimir before the bout.

The WBC said it was "one of the worst behaviours ever by a professional".

The body demanded Chisora, 28, should seek anger management treatment before it considers whether to lift the suspension.

Jose Sulaiman, president of the WBC, said the authority would also look to impose a "serious" fine on the Zimbabwe-born fighter.

The Londoner, ranked 14th in the WBC's heavyweight division, will also be taken out of the organisation's rankings.

"The WBC is absolutely condemning 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," a statement read.

"Boxers are gentlemen and show to the world an example of honour and fair play when, after a tremendous battle, they go to the centre of the ring to pay respect to each other.

"Dereck Chisora is not going to tarnish the sport for those born in the humblest beds, who become sports heroes of the world to live a life of dignity and pride."

The WBC statement made no mention of Haye, who is currently unlicensed.

Chisora is due before a British Boxing Board of Control hearing on 14 March, and his manager Frank Warren told BBC Radio 5 live: "I don't understand how someone can be banned without having a hearing. I've never ever heard of anything like that. There's been no hearing.

"There were some things which he did which absolutely were wrong and he shouldn't have done, and I'm not condoning that but there were a lot of things happening behind the scenes. All this stuff needs to be taken into consideration before anyone decides what happened.

"Everybody is entitled to natural justice no matter what they've done."

Underdog Chisora earned plenty of plaudits despite his points defeat by heavy favourite Klitschko in Munich on 18 February.

But all the post-fight headlines were overshadowed by the brawl between Chisora and former WBA champion Haye, who lost to Wladimir Klitschko in July.

Chisora accused Haye of glassing him, with Haye later admitting he was holding a bottle when he punched his fellow Briton.

Chisora threatened to shoot Haye after the clash and was detained by German police the following morning, though he was later released without charge.

Haye, who has officially retired from the sport, left the country without speaking to police, while it has been reported that it could take Munich police two weeks to question him because of red tape.

Both fighters have since apologised for their behaviour.

The German Boxing Federation have already indicated that neither Chisora nor Haye will be welcome to fight again on German soil.

BBC boxing commentator Mike Costello believes the outcome of the BBBofC hearing will be pivotal for Chisora's future.

"They have his licence and if they decide to ban him then his only option is leaving the country to try to get a licence - but even that won't be straight forward because they will support whatever decision the BBBofC come to," Costello told BBC Radio 5 live.