Chisora, Haye could face German jail sentences

British boxers David Haye and Dereck Chisora could both face possible prison sentences in Germany following their Munich brawl, prosecutors here confirmed Monday.

Haye and Chisora clashed during the press conference after Chisora's defeat to defending WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko on Saturday night in the Bavarian capital.

In front of stunned reporters and the assembled media, Chisora confronted Haye, who was working at the fight as a pundit, and the pair had to be separated after trading blows which saw both of their trainers get involved.

Haye is suspected of grievous bodily harm and if found guilty, faces up to 10 years in prison.

Haye, who lost his World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title on points to Vitali's brother Wladimir in July last year, proved hard to track down but he finally issued a statement later on Monday through his promoters in London.

"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," said Haye, who threw the first punch as Chisora approached him.

"If requested, I shall happily assist the boxing authorities with any investigation they wish to launch and, ultimately, hope that all lessons learned from this incident will be implemented."

Chisora is suspected of malicious injury, which carries a jail sentence of up to five years, and threatening behaviour, which is punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.

However, the Zimbabwe-born boxer also issued a statement to the Press Association in London saying he "wholeheartedly apologised" for his actions before and after the bout.

A masked Chisora had slapped Klitschko in the weigh-in and then spat water in the face of Wladimir.

"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.

"I cannot go into the specific details at the moment as quite rightly the British Boxing Board of Control will be investigating this matter and also the altercation that took place between David Haye and myself where I was struck by a bottle.

"Despite all of this, the bottom line is, I have let my family, my team and worst of all the sport I love down." However, whether Haye's and Chisora's apologies will cut much ice with the German police remains to be seen.

"They are both facing a fine or a possible prison sentence," a Munich police spokesman told AFP, prior to their statements, with investigations still ongoing.

After the brawl at Munich's Olympiahalle, Haye is believed to have immediately left the country and police were unable to locate him after searching his hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Chisora and his trainer Don Charles were both arrested at Munich airport as they prepared to board a plane and were taken for questioning at the city's police station, but were released on Sunday evening.

The British Boxing Board of Control has already said Chisora could face a life ban after the brawl which has badly tarnished the sport's image and are investigating him on a misconduct charge.

Haye does not have a licence to fight, having officially retired in October, but the board could choose to effectively ban him by denying him a licence if he seeks to fight again.