Derek Chisora vs. David Haye: WBA Officially Sanctions Brit Grudge Match

The World Boxing Association today officially sanctioned the July 14 grudge match between British heavyweights Derek Chisora and David Haye, according to Boxing Scene.

The bout will take place in London and will be for the WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight title.

The approval came from WBA Executive Vice President Gilberto Mendoza Jr. after the World Boxing Council, European Boxing Union and British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction the bout.

The two fighters are both most notable for their near shutout losses to the Klitschko brothers. Haye (25-2, 23 KO), who was defending the WBA championship, was dominated by Wladimir Klitschko during their bout last July.

In February, Chisora (15-3, 9 KO) was easily defeated by Vitali Klistchko in an ugly fight. It was during the post-fight press conference that the simmering bad blood erupted into a brawl between Chisora and fellow Brit Haye, which leads to this match.

It was because of that incident, in which several people were injured, that the fight had a difficult time finding a sanctioning body.

Haye comes into the fight having not fought since his loss to Wladimir Klitschko nearly a year ago, while Chisora has lost three of his last four fights. 

The WBA Intercontinental title is a lightly regarded belt, but both men hope a victory will get their careers back on track and propel them to another shot at the legitimate heavyweight title against one of the Klitschko brothers.