Surprise move sees Chisora sign with Haye

Dereck Chisora has unexpectedly signed management terms with his one-time bitter rival David Haye, the former world heavyweight champion has revealed.

The 34-year-old Chisora, who was stopped in five rounds in a 2012 grudge match with Haye, which was built after they brawled at a press conference, has seen his reputation rise recently.

Chisora secured a careerbest victory when defeating Carlos Takam in July.

He remains the favourite to fight Dillian Whyte in a rematch on December 22, in a bill that will be promoted by Matchroom.

Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom had also promoted the Takam fight and made little secret of their desire to make the Chisora-Whyte rematch, making his agreement with Haye even unlikelier.

Chisora’s trainer Don Charles spoke as recently as last year about his desire to get “even” with Haye, who broke his jaw at the same press conference.

“Dereck is dangerous and after a professional career spanning over a decade he is looking to scale the heights of the division, capturing world titles, and I am looking forward to helping him achieve this,” said Haye.

Chisora, who also revealed his new nickname will be “WAR”, added: “I am at a point in my career I know I cannot afford to make mistakes.

“To all heavyweights out there who think Dereck Chisora has had his time, missed his moment, you’re wrong, this is just the beginning.”

Haye announced his retirement in June, but has since become a more consistent presence on the domestic boxing scene.

BEST OF ENEMIES: David Haye, left, had to be separated from Dereck Chisora by a steel fence at a pre-fight weigh-in back in 2012 but has now agreed terms to manage the 34-year-old heavyweight