David Haye has been accused of leaving Dereck Chisora 32-11 (23) because he knows he will be knocked out in his rematch against Joseph Parker 29-2 (21).
The 37-year-old British heavyweight got off to a fast start against New Zealander Parker, 29, putting him down in the opening round of their bout in Manchester in May before settling for a split decision loss.
Former rival Haye, who knocked out Chisora in five rounds nine years ago, announced this week that he was stepping down as the evergreen Londoner’s manager.
“It’s been an action-packed couple of years, getting Dereck back in the mix of the heavyweight division, taking him from ‘Del Boy’ to ‘WAR’ mode,” 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 Dereck, I will naturally continue to follow and support his career with great interest.
“The UK remains at the epicentre of the heavyweight division and Derek stands ready to go toe to toe with them all. 2021 is looking very exciting for him with a number of options available.”
Chisora said: “Everyone close to me thought I was crazy when I told them I wanted David to manage me, but in the last two and a half years my performances in the ring have spoken for themselves.
“Giving fight fans the battles they wanted to see even when Covid put a handbrake on everything. I may have been robbed against both Usyk and Parker but have developed as a fighter. 2021 is looking very interesting, I am back in camp, ready to go this autumn. It’s time for WAR.
“I would like to thank David for his support (at times patience…) and guidance during our time working together.”
But Parker’s manager David Higgins has questioned the motivation behind Haye’s decision.
“I think Haye realises that Joseph Parker is going to knock Chisora out and put him into retirement and so maybe he wants to jump off the ship before it sinks,” Higgins told Sky Sports.
“If Joseph were to finish Chisora by stoppage, which we think he will, then it’s the end of meaningful boxing matches for Chisora.”
Higgins doesn’t think the breakup will affect Chisora’s preparation for the Parker rematch.
“I was a little bit surprised [about the split],” said Higgins. “They seemed a pretty tight unit. David obviously knows his way around boxing, both in the ring and promotionally.
“They are probably just heading in different directions.
“Unfortunately, I’m not available.
“He’s been through a lot of battles, he’s experienced. He nearly beat Joseph. It was very close and he knows what he’s doing.
“As much as I’d like to claim some psychological edge, I don’t think so.”
