Hiroto Kyoguchi v Thanongsak Simsri World Title Bout Cancelled
A day before his scheduled title defense against Thanongsak Simsri (14-0, 12 KOs) on November 3 in Osaka, Japan, Ring Magazine and WBA “Super” world Junior Flyweight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi( 14-0, 9 KOs) has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The results were discovered during a November 2 weigh-in between the two combatants. Kyoguchi and Simsri had finished weigh-in procedures with each fighter coming in under the 108-pound Junior Flyweight limit.
Afterward, officials with the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC) scheduled an emergency press conference. It was then where they announced that Kyoguchi and his trainer have tested positive for the virus following a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken the day of the weigh-in.
According to Japanese online source the Kyodo News, both the champ and his trainer are asymptomatic and currently in quarantine. Things were all good with Kyoguchi’s camp previously, including all parties testing negative for the virus just a day prior.
During the emergency presser, JBC secretary-general Tsuyoshi Yasukochi explained their actions.
“The decision to cancel can’t be helped given what’s in the (JBC) guidelines. We’re sorry for the fans but ask them to forgive us for the sake of thorough infection prevention. We cannot skip the test a day before a bout. It’s regrettable the (positive) result came out at this time.”
DISAPPOINTMENT FROM EVERYONE INVOLVED
Simsri, who was quarantined for 14 days upon his arrival in Japan on October 7, tested negative for the virus during the November 2nd proceedings. He and his team are in shock at what has happened.
The champ is deeply disappointed. He had taken all necessary precautions during his training, working out in a private facility. He took to social media to give a simple two-word explanation, “Really sorry”.
Because of the post-weigh-in developments, the entire card was cancelled. What makes this more disappointing is the entire boxing card was going to air live on Kyoguchi’s YouTube channel. Because the champ and his trainer are not showing any symptoms, officials hope the card can be rescheduled at a later date.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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