Japan’s Plan To Bring Boxing Back By July
When the COVID-19 first started to spread its ugly tentacles and affect boxing, Japan was one of the first countries to take action. The country suspended all boxing activity in February 2020. It now looks as if we are on the verge of the sport returning in the land of the rising sun.
As first reported by Japanese online source Boxing.JP, on May 15 the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC), as well as the Japanese Professional Boxing Association (JPBA), convened to discuss the process of the sport’s return, with July being targeted.
TAKING ALL PRECAUTIONS
An organization called Coronavirus Countermeasures Liaison Council (CCLC) discussed a multitude of issues regarding what practices will now be implemented for future boxing events. Among them were:
- All mouthpieces will be treated hygienically after the council receives word from a medical specialist that a mouthpiece could become a source of a possible infection.
- During boxing shows, all trainers, officials, and judges are required to wear a mask.
- If there is no room for a medical institution, as well as a no confirmation medical underwriter, the fight will not be held.
- Spectators will be allowed under strict social distancing guidelines with all gates at the facilities open at all times.
The CCLC will continue to have meetings over the next few weeks. Topics to discuss will include the new guidelines with Japanese boxing promoters and gyms to bring the sport by this summer.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
