Is There An Issue With Matchroom Boxing’s Return To The United States?

Heading into Matchroom Boxing’s return to action inside the United States, Eddie Hearn did everything possible to make sure things would go according to plan. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Matchroom will need to work on having the event with its planned headliner.

ESPN is reporting that the WBC Flyweight Title fight between champion Julio Cesar Martinez and McWilliams Arroyo on August 15 is off. Martinez had to back out of the bout due to a sore throat and a fever. It is being reported that this is not COVID-19 related. Due to his inability to train as a result of his respiratory issues, Martinez will be out of action for a while.

According to Boxing Scene, both sides are looking to rebook the match on a September date, which would air on DAZN.

Martinez (16-1, 1NC) is on a two-fight win streak. He won the vacant WBC title against Cristofer Rosales back in December 2019. “El Rey” last fought in February, beating Jay Harris to defend his title. Arroyo (20-4) is on a three-fight win streak, winning three fights in 2019. His last fight was a victory against Juan Gabriel Medina back in December. Arroyo is 4-2 in his last six fights.

It is unknown what the current plans are for Matchroom’s event in Tulsa, Oklahoma now. The co-main event is an undisputed Welterweight Championship fight between champion Cecilia Braekhus and Jessica McCaskill. Both women could main event the show, which Braekhus has done before under the DAZN banner. Matchroom has not yet commented on the situation.

The August 15 event is set to take place in the streets of Tulsa, with no crowds allowed by the ring.