Top Rank suffers hiccup with COVID-19
When it comes to the current global crisis of COVID-19, boxing is learning very quickly that this opponent isn’t yet out. So far, Murphy’s Law (what can go wrong, will go wrong) is proving it is going to be a problem.
June 6, 2020, many fans and enthusiasts got a chance to enjoy the punches that were thrown in boxing since the pandemic literally shut down the entire world. Furthermore, all the entities within the sport have been taking every precautionary measure to ensure fighters’ safety in hopes of the sport finally returning.
COVID-19 STRIKES BACK
Top Rank is currently on schedule to kick things off on June 9, 2020. However, a small setback has put a dent in their plans. Female prospect fighter Mikaela Mayer (12-0, 5ko) took to social media to inform fans that she has tested positive for COVID-19.
The undefeated female fighter from California was going to be on the undercard of WBO featherweight champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson (13-0, 7ko) non-title defense against little known opponent Felix “La Sombra” Caraballo (13-1-2, 9ko).
Mayer also expressed disappointment with this recent development and for her opponent, former IBF featherweight title contender Helen Joseph (17-4-2, 10ko). Moreover, she let the fans know that the rest of her team tested negative and that she will be quarantined per recommended guidelines.
Although everyone is eager for the sport we all love to return, the reality is there are probably going to be a lot of situations like this moving forward.
Promoters are going to have to scramble more than ever now looking for last-minute replacements or scraping a card altogether, especially if it’s a championship bout. This could turn into a problem on a whole different scale. It is clear that the fight to return boxing to where live audiences can attend is still a long ways away.
We here at 3kingsboxing wish Mikaela Mayer a healthy and speedy return.
By: Garrisson Bland
