IBF Orders Lopez, Kambosos To Get Covid-19 Vaccine Before Title Fight

Teofimo Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) and George Kambosos Jr (19-0, 10 KOs) will have to get themselves vaccinated against the coronavirus before September 7.

The two boxers will share the ring for the undisputed lightweight crown on October 5 in New York City.

The IBF ruling has been accepted by the champ and challenger. The latest IBF instructions indicate that the federation doesn’t want any further delay in the championship fight.

Lopez had earlier contracted Covid-19 days before the fight scheduled for June 19. He had reportedly traveled to another city to watch his friend’s boxing match and was likely exposed to the virus there.

He was under severe criticism from his opponent and the entire boxing community after the news was made public.

Kambosos Jr penned a long post on social media, saying how he has been away from his kids and pregnant wife due to the fight and Lopez’s “irresponsible” attitude in the build up to the fight is unacceptable.

It was on June 2 when Lopez finally tested negative for the virus. Speaking to ESPN, Lopez’s manager, David McWater, confirmed that Lopez has signed the contract which says that he’ll comply to the IBF’s orders regarding vaccination.

“He’s the IBF champ, he’s going to comply,” McWater said.