by Renee Israel
Weeks after Danish striker, Nicklas Bendtner was disproportionately fined for
displaying his lucky Paddy Power shorts in a Euro 2012 match, Zimbabwean born
boxer Dereck Chisora did the same last week.
The lucky green shorts displaying the Paddy Power logo turned up at Upton
Park after Dereck "Del Boy" Chisora, the heavyweight boxer, wore them during his
weigh in for his match against David Haye, which took place last Saturday night.
Those who were present said that the tense atmosphere was lightened when the
242 lb boxer climbed onto the scales displaying the underpants and wearing a
Union Jack kerchief to cover his mouth.
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Paddy Power said: "The lucky
pants were a knock out for Nicklas in the Euro's so we're hopeful they'll do the
same for Dereck on Saturday."
Paddy Power Pants Got Bendtner in Trouble
While Chisora's display of Paddy Power undies didn't trigger a reaction
larger than a group chuckle, the same cannot be said for the incident when
Danish player, Nicklas Bendtner dropped his soccer shorts when celebrating a
goal against Portugal, and displayed the Paddy Power logo.
UEFA came down particularly hard on the Arsenal forward and issued him with a
one game competitive band and a huge €100,000 fine.
The soccer authorities said that Bendtner's stunt was a breach of Denmark
Football Association's exclusive deal which it has with Paddy Power bookie
rival, Ladbrokes, and also went against UEFA's commercial rules.
Thankfully, the Irish bookmaker came to Bendtners's rescue and promised to
pay the fine.
Paddy Power Shorts Didn't Help Chisora
For those who are wondering if the boxer displaying Paddy Power's shorts
helped Chisora in his weekend match against Haye, the answer is unfortunately
no.
The personal and controversial grudge match resulted in Haye defeating
Chisora in a fifth round knockout to win the WBA International and WBO
Heavyweight International Championships.
Haye and Chisora are sworn enemies, with the two getting involved in a brawl
at a press conference six months ago, after the Zimbabwean lost to Vitali
Kitschko.
The 31 year old Haye felt that the time had come to return from
semi-retirement to the boxing ring and did so in the much anticipated match on
Saturday night.
The loss was a blow for Chisora in more ways than one. The 28 year old has
now lost four out of is last five fights, however analysts feel that there is
still time for him to turn the tables and climb slowly back up the heavyweight
rankings.
