The Impact Of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Continues In Boxing
The sweet science has not been immune when it comes to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Fights have been cancelled in Italy and Japan has suspended the sport until April 15. Unfortunately, the fallout continues as the virus is now having an impact on the sport in the United States.
Top Rank announced that their March 14 event highlighted by Shakur Stevenson’s defense of the WBO Featherweight title against Miguel Marriaga, as well as a March 17 card featuring rising featherweight prospect Michael Conlan (both set to happen at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden) would be held, but without spectators as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
MORE CANCELLATIONS
After conferring with the New York State Athletic Commission and their medical team, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum has now decided to postpone both fight cards. During an interview with ESPN, Arum explained the change of heart.
“We were going to be guided by the recommendation of the athlete commission. And they consulted their medical people and were advised not to go through with these events because there is no way to adequately test the fighters.”
“It’s as simple as that. It’s a failure to provide the proper testing for this virus in-country. If we could test the fighters and one or two tested positive, then we would eliminate their fights, same with the referee. But without testing, we are operating in the dark.”
This postponement comes on top of Golden Boy Promotions cancelling two boxing shows due to the California State Athletic Commission’s decision and Puerto Rico postponing boxing events until May 2020.
Because of the continued fears and uncertainty, it’s safe to say that more boxing events will be further affected. Stay tuned to 3KingBoxing for further news and updates on this very fluid and worrisome issue.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
