Shakur Stevenson To Be Without His Trainer For Fight Against Felix Caraballo
WBO world Featherweight champion Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs) will make his return to the ring on June 9. He will do so in a 10-round non-title bout against Felix Caraballo (13-1-2, 9 KOs) on ESPN at the Top Rank Arena in Las Vegas. However, at said bout, he will be without his trainer, Kay Koroma.
Top Rank promotions, in agreement with Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), states that all parties involved in a boxing show are tested for COVID-19. Koroma personally tested negative for the virus. Yet, he also happens to be one of the cornermen for Women’s Junior Lightweight contender Mikaela Mayer, who was set to fight on the same card.
On June 6, Mayer announced on social media that she tested positive for COVID-19. Her upcoming fight against Helen Joseph was scratched. According to new NSAC policies, Mayer and all members of her camp are to be removed from the private arena. Unfortunately for Stevenson, this also includes Koroma.
RESPECT THE RULES
Bob Bennett, Executive Director of NSAC, further explained the situation during an interview with ESPN.
“Typically, when a person in any camp tests positive, the contact tracing takes place. And if it’s revealed that the person [who] tested positive from contact tracing was in contact with that person, then obviously they could be asymptomatic and they would be removed from the event as well.”
The trainer told ESPN that he accepts the NSAC’s decision. He also makes known he feels perfectly healthy, is completely behind his fighters, and supports the new rules. Top Rank COO Brad Jacobs told the network that Edward Jackson will replace Koroma at ringside.
As for Stevenson, the 22-year-old is focused and ready to take care of business.
“We respect the protocols being put in place for this fight. Coach Kay Koroma tested negative upon our arrival here in Las Vegas, but we are following the Nevada commission, Top Rank, and MGM Grand guidelines.
I’m disappointed that he won’t be able to be in my corner, but I am fully focused and locked in on tomorrow night and will put on another great show on ESPN.” ~Shakur Stevenson, WBO world Featherweight champion
~Shakur Stevenson, WBO world Featherweight champion
This is a situation where Koroma didn’t do anything wrong. He happened to be a casualty of the new and evolving changes within the sport amid a worldwide pandemic. Extreme medical precautions are being exercised to protect all parties involved, something that’s more than understandable at this present time.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
