Sports minister Hugh Robertson has called on the British Boxing Board of Control to implement a crackdown on boxing's violent excesses in the wake of the shameful clash between heavyweights Dereck Chisora and David Haye. Chisora will appear before the board on March 14th.
Robertson said the BBBC should take "robust action" against the pair after their violent clash in Munich at the weekend - and that the increasing hype before fights needs to be tackled.
The pair were involved in a bloody brawl following Chisora's points defeat to WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, with German police releasing Chisora without charge and still hoping to speak to Haye, whose whereabouts are unknown.
It has also been suggested that the clash was intended to boost the value of a future meeting between Haye and Chisora.
"It was a disgrace - I was appalled. If there is any suggestion that this is a commercial ploy to push up ratings and interest in a subsequent fight it only strengthens the argument for the BBBC to take robust action and makes it clear that this is completely unacceptable," said Robertson.
"There has been a trend in recent years for more and more outrageous behaviour at weigh-ins as part of the pre-match hype and perhaps this is the moment we crack down and restore the discipline to the sport."
Robertson said the fall-out could affect the amateur game and the ongoing work with youngsters. He added: "I imagine the people feeling this most keenly today are all those volunteers who work in boxing clubs in communities up and down the country who say the sport instils leadership, discipline and respect in young people.
"They must feel desperate at seeing two of the top figures internationally resorting to fighting at a press conference.
"There is a difference between professional and amateur boxing, and we tend to forget that linkages between them are getting thinner."