Joe Smith’s Title Defense Postponed After Positive COVID Test

WBO light heavyweight Joe Smith Jr. has contracted Covid-19, putting off his title defense against Umar Salamov.

The title fight was scheduled for October 30th at Madison Square Garden in New York. A new date has yet to be proposed by the event organizers, Star Boxing promotions.

Smith Jr. (27-3, 21 KOs) revealed the news in his recent public statement.

“I was in camp working hard. I am very disappointed that I won’t be able to defend my title in October due to having COVID,” the champ explained. “When I am better, I will be back in the gym preparing to fight as soon as I can and put on a great show for all my fans.”

This will only delay the 32-year-old’s goal of fetching bigger fights against the 175-lb champions in the division.

The WBO crown-holder is eager to take on IBF/WBC light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev in a unification bout. He’s also in the mood to share the ring with WBA champion Bivol again and avenge his loss.

A showdown against 27-year-old Salamov is only a way for him to get a bigger, better fight to raise his stocks. Smith is a clear favorite in the Salamov bout.