Derek Chisora attends service hours after headbutting Deliveroo rider (2024)

Derek Chisora has attended a Westminster Abbey service to mark 30 years of South Africa's democracy just hours after footage emerged of him headbutting a Deliveroo rider.

The heavyweight boxer, 40, attended the event on Tuesday which 'acknowledged the struggle for democracy that has taken place [in South Africa] and the tireless work of campaigners to bring an end to apartheid'.

His appearance came hours after a video appeared to show him involved in a violent incident whilst having a meal outside Ginger and White cafe with his two daughters on pedestrianised street Perrin's Court in Hampstead.

Zimbabwe-born Chisora had previously admitted his admiration for South Africa's first black president and most high-profile anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela.

Chisora, who moved to London with his family as a teenager, flew to Johannesburg after Mandela died in 2013 and said: 'I am African myself and I just feel I have to be in South Africa. Even if I don't get to the funeral, as long as I am present.

'I was devastated when he died. I was at a friend's party when I heard and I just got up and left.

'Most Africans feel they have to be there to embrace and celebrate his life. For him to sacrifice 27 years in prison and then come out and forgive everybody was amazing.'

Before Chisora appeared at the South African High Commission-run event, footage had surfaced on social media of the British fighter appearing to headbutt a Deliveroo rider outside the Ginger and White cafe.

Mail Sport understands the former European champion has asked the rider to dismount after they entered the narrow street, suggesting children and dogs could be hit.

An argument ensued after the cyclist refused, with Chisora allegedly having been provoked first before retaliating to the Deliveroo rider.

Police were reportedly called to the scene, but no arrests were made following the incident.

Footage was taken during the incident, amid claims Chisora had earlier been provoked leading to the confrontation.

Chisora appeared to be seen holding the driver, who was heard shouting 'get the f*** off me, bro' and 'I swear, get off me now'.

TheDeliveroo driver was then seen throwing his hands in the direction of Chisora, who responded with a headbutt.

Shocked diners were seen watching on amid the confrontation.

The incident comes just over a week before Chisora returns to the ring.

Chisora is set to face Joe Joyce in an all-British heavyweight contest at the O2 Arena in London on July 27.

The fight will be 'Del Boy's' 48th of his professional career, which spans 17-years in the heavyweight division.

Chisora last fought in the ring last August when he overcame Gerald Washington.

The victory saw Chisora bounce back from his defeat to Tyson Fury in December 2022, the second time the boxer had beaten when challenging for a world title.

Chisora, who made his pro debut in 2007, has claimed he plans to have three more fights before hanging up his gloves.

His opponent Joyce heads into the fight off the back of a victory over Kash Ali in March.

Joyce had suffered back-to-back defeats to China's Zhilei Zhang in 2023, the only losses of his 18 fight professional career.

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