Derek Chisora parts ways with manager David Haye

After almost three years together, David Haye will no longer manage heavyweight Derek Chisora. The pair announced the move though a joint statement on Haye’s website.

Haye teamed with Chisora for the most recent six fights of his career, and both sides seem to be parting on pleasant terms. In the statement, Haye said:

“When we announced our unlikely partnership, we pledged to give fight fans the big nights of heavyweight clashes they have called out for and that I believe we have achieved. Whilst I will no longer be managing Derek, I will naturally continue to follow and support his career with great interest.”

The partnership raised eyebrows when first announced back in 2018 because of a brief but hot rivalry when both men were active heavyweights. After Chisora lost a decision to Vitali Klitschko in February of 2012, Haye showed up at the post-fight press conference and wound up in a brawl with Chisora. Punches were exchanged, bottles were broken, tripods were thrown, gunshot and murder threats were shared, and a rowdy good time was had by all, as you can see in the video below.

Haye and Chisora booked a more traditional, sanctioned, in-ring fight for July of 2012, which Haye dedicated in advance to “all the women who have been beaten – and people who have been ­bullied – by men like Dereck Chisora.” The statement was a reference to Chisora’s multiple assault convictions; most specifically a 2010 incident involving Chisora’s then-girlfriend that resulted in a suspended prison sentence for Chisora.

Haye wound up defeating Chisora by TKO, and both fighters said afterwards that any bad blood between them was in the past.

Chisora (32-11, 23 KO) said in the joint statement that “I am back in camp, ready to go this Autumn.” The 37 year old is looking to bounce back after consecutive losses to Oleksander Usyk and Joseph Parker.

With Chisora already in the latter stages of his career, and now operating under a new management situation, there’s no clear picture of who he may face next. Trilogy fight with Dillian White? Rematch with Joseph Parker? Something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments.