David Haye couldn’t help but sing the praises of Derek Chisora following the latter’s win over Kubrat Pulev last weekend.

If there’s one man who has been there to witness the chaotic boxing journey of Derek Chisora, it’s David Haye.

From engaging in a crazy brawl to fighting one another to Haye becoming his manager, they’ve been on quite the journey together in the last decade or so.

The latest chapter in this story was written on Saturday night at the O2 Arena when Chisora collided with former foe Kubrat Pulev in the capital.

It was one of the wildest heavyweight brawls of the year thus far and in the end, it was ‘Del Boy’ who edged out a dramatic split decision win to pull off the upset and avenge his 2016 defeat to Pulev.

When speaking to DAZN after the fight, Haye had nothing but great things to say about his rival-turned-friend.

“100% the right man won,” Haye said. “Derek Chisora pressed the action, he landed significantly more punches, particularly to the body. 

“The fight went exactly how he hoped it went, maybe barring a knockout. If he landed the shots he was landing, it would have dragged Pulev into a slugfest and that’s not where he comes from. 

“It’s hard to train to fight Chisora because he does nothing traditional.

“His hands are all over the place, but next from a southpaw position he’s throwing a lead hook. By the time they get in the ring with him they’re taking untold body shots and whatever game plan they had, they need to think of a new one.

“Now he’s the person who gets the nod when the rounds are close. He’s never been that guy, and if someone’s lucky enough to hear the bell, they’ll get battered.

“He’s got his own category.”

Will he keep going?

A win like this at the age of 38 can only serve as a way to revitalise Chisora and remind him that while he may not be one of the primary world champions, he can still do some damage in this division.

Moving forward, expect to see him continue taking on any and all comers.