Exclusive - Groves: Chisora is to blame for Haye bust-up

George Groves has laid the blame for the scenes that shamed boxing firmly at the door of Dereck Chisora.

The Finchley-based boxer lost a points decision in his world title clash with Vitali Klitschko in Munich on Saturday night, but the fight was completely overshadowed by the press conference bust-up between Chisora and David Haye.

And Groves, a stablemate of Haye, believes Chisora has to carry the can for the shocking brawl.

Chisora had already slapped Vitali at the pre-fight weigh-in, and allegedly spat in the face of his brother

Wladimir, and Groves told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: "Derek was appalling. The main problem was Chisora.

“He did things that really crossed the line, like spitting in someone’s face. You do things to try to upset your opponent, but you have to do it with a bit of decorum and dignity.

“It was a shame. Chisora put in a good performance against a world-class opponent. Before this weekend he was not a renowned name, but he could have come out with real respect from people. But he’s lost all that that by starting a needles fight with David.”

There are suggestions now that Chisora and Haye will meet in the ring later in the year, but Groves believes Haye is interested only in another tilt at a Klitschko.

He added: “I know David well and know what his ambitions are. He’s said if he comes out of retirement it’s to be a world champion. There’s an agreement to fight Vitali Klitschko, and he was there [in Munich] to talk up that fight.

“But Chisora thought he might as well start a row with David and people are now talking about that fight, so it will interesting to see what happens.”