British Boxing Board of Control Forms Plan To Hold Events In July
Due to the coronavirus, the boxing world has been put on hold. Several fights have been postponed and moved to dates later in the year. Everyone is wondering when mainstream boxing will be up and running again.
Depending on how the next few months go, we could see the summer as a launching point for boxing’s return. The British Boxing Board of Control released a statement (per Michael Benson of talkSPORT) regarding the potential of British boxing events happening in July.
“Depending upon Government decisions, it is hopeful that professional boxing will commence in July 2020 and we will continue to use our best endeavors to do so and are working closely with our promoters,” the BBBofC stated.
“It is important to recognise that when professional Boxing promotions can resume there may be restrictions in place.”
According to the statement, a maximum of five fights will be staged on each card, which will be reviewed by the BBBofC. Additionally, there will be testing for the coronavirus that requires a medical form filled out, as well as a pre-tournament quarantine. If the form is not filled out, the person involved cannot attend the requested event.
In the case that crowds are not permitted at events, attendance will only be allowed for officials, license holders, members of the promotors team, and broadcast personnel.
Events that would most likely go on during this time would include MTK Global as well as Matchroom Boxing cards. Eddie Hearn has stated he is currently communicating with the BBBofC to get an idea in place if fights overseas can work. Big fights like Dillian Whyte v. Alexander Povetkin and Anthony Joshua v. Kubrat Pulev would most likely take place in empty arenas.
Those who are deemed a “severe risk of serious illness from coronavirus” will not be allowed at the events. Promoters from all different entities are working on a deal to collaborate with the BBBofC. As the next few weeks pass by, further details should be released on how this will all go into play.
📝 The BBBofC have today issued this statement to promoters on plans for British boxing's return:
📆 Hope to be back in July
🚪 Initially behind closed doors
📋 Maximum five fights per event
🦠 All involved must be tested
🏃♂️ Strict social distancing
😷 Pre-event quarantine pic.twitter.com/zXdbTVeDGf— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) April 30, 2020