That bout, in February 2012, resulted in a unanimous decision defeat against Vitali Klitschko, while challenging for the WBC heavyweight title.

[3] Then, whilst in the ring before the pre-fight introductions, Chisora spat water in the face of his opponent's brother Wladimir Klitschko.

During the conference, Haye began a verbal confrontation with both Klitschko, and his manager Bernd Bonte, challenging the WBC champion to a fight.

Additional security were present at the press conference and a steel fence was put in place to keep Haye and Chisora separated during the announcement.

[14][15][16] In particular, the WBC adopted a firm stance against the contest, threatening to revoke the licenses of anyone involved in the fight, including promoters, trainers, timekeepers, referees and undercard fighters.

Chisora entered the stadium, hooded and masked to the theme from Gladiator, and Haye to his entry music "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" by McFadden & Whitehead.

In the opening two rounds, Chisora applied constant pressure, with Haye landing scoring shots at range.

Towards the end of the fifth round, Haye landed with a quick, hard left hook, followed by a right hand, which knocked down Chisora for the first time in his career.