By John F. McKenna (McJack): Both participants in the ugly brawl which followed Saturday nights victory by WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko (44-2, 40 KO’s) over British challenger Dereck Chisora (15-3, 9 KO’s) are now engaged in damage control.

It was reported in the Beaver County Times that former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye released a statement regarding the brawl he engaged in with Chisora at the post fight press conference which said in part:

“Chisora climbed down from the top table, removed his robe and then walked towards me, entourage in tow, in an aggressive manner. I held my ground, but unfortunately he caused a serious disturbance to occur, something which threatened to damage the reputation of the sport we both love.”

Haye, who was at the bout working as a commentator, went on to acknowledge that he was not an angel and had frequently used trash talk to raise the profile of boxing, but had never been involved in or witnessed the type of fracas that occurred after Saturday nights match.

Chisora for his part appeared to come unglued as he traded heated barbs with Haye. Dereck was arrested after the brawl when he threatened several times to shoot Haye. The threats could be heard on video. “Del-Boy” was released after spending several hours in police custody.

Chisora also released a statement in which he expressed apologies for his behavior. Dereck initially drew the wrath of German boxing fans by slapping Klitschko in the face at the weigh in on Friday. Prior to the fight Chisora further infuriated boxing fans by spitting in the face of WBA/IBF/WBO and The Ring heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (56-3, 49 KO’s). Both of the Klitschko’s showed class in not responding to Chisora’s provocations.

In his statement Chisora said in part:

“I acknowledge that my actions were totally unprofessional, with or without provocation. Now with a cool head and the benefit of hindsight, my actions over the weekend were regrettable to say the least and I am deeply embarrassed.”

Chisora acknowledged that he had let his fans, his team and the sport of boxing down.

There is little doubt that both Haye and Chisora are fearful that their boxing careers are in jeopardy after the weekend brawl. That fear undoubtedly played a huge part in their engaging in damage control in an attempt to minimize whatever actions are taken by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).