Statement gone out saying that it's now going to take place behind closed doors. Bit gutted but understandable.
Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102264
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Johnny Nelson did a little Q&A
Boxers must retain their professionalism in a difficult time for the sport, says Johnny Nelson
Major boxing bills have already been postponed throughout the world, with the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspending all events until March 25, although the schedule of shows in Britain is yet to be disrupted.
Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson and welterweight prospect Dan Morley have given their opinion on how the Coronavirus could influence every level of professional boxing.
Will fighters be willing to perform behind closed doors?
Nelson: They may have no choice, it's that simple, because the show might have to go on. They have to get paid, it's their living, so realistically they have no choice. This is their job.
How would a boxer cope without a crowd?
Nelson: It will impact their performances. When you're used to going out to box in front of an audience of 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and there's nobody there, it does make a lot of difference to your performance.
You've still got to make sure you're eating right, you're sleeping right, you're prepping right, and then it's the performance itself. When you might have to perform in front of maybe nobody, that's when it really counts.
Johnny Nelson
Boxers are used to being in the gym, sparring, but you step it up a level when it comes to a fight, you come out of yourself. But remember, a lot of our amateur stars when they're travelling around the world, people don't realise that they are boxing in half empty halls. Now it's about professionalism, you have a job to do. The fighters who need the crowd, need that backing, need that lift, they will always fall short.
You've still got to make sure you're eating right, you're sleeping right, you're prepping right, and then it's the performance itself. When you might have to perform in front of maybe nobody, that's when it really counts. It's about you. I think a lot of fighters will learn so much about themselves, if that happens and they have to fight in those conditions.
Do you think that is a likely scenario, if the sport does continue?
Nelson: Yes, that's what I can see happening, but then again, some fighters live off the tickets sales. That's their fight purse. How does that affect them? The pressure is on the promoters, who want to put shows on. If you haven't got the backing of television, they are the shows that will suffer, where you are dependent on bums on seats.
What about the financial implications for the biggest shows?
Nelson: Like football, most of the revenue is from television. The attendance makes a big difference as well, but a lot of it is TV money. If you didn't have such a massive attendance like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where would the fight be staged?
Big world title fights can be delayed, because it's a worldwide attraction.
Will postponements put off major potential fights like Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury?
Nelson: Yes, it just slows everyone down. You shouldn't lose your opportunity.
It gives boxers more time in the gym, because your travel is restricted and all you can do is train. This is all about professionalism. How your attitude is when you have that free time. It's a good time to learn.
If gyms close, how else can boxers prepare?
Nelson: I'm sure boxers will find some way to train, even if it's in their garage at home. They will find a way.
In boxing, fighters can always find a means to train. It's always been that way and I don't think anything will stop that. Just because you don't see the hi-tech gyms, doesn't mean the sport stops. Boxing will survive.
A current fighter's verdict
Dan Morley is a rising contender with a six-fight unbeaten record
I'm no expert on the Coronavirus, but with the way it continues spreading and how severe it's global impact has become in such a short period of time is alarming.
With major sporting events being cancelled all around the world for the foreseeable future, it is worrying for those with their own big fights that remained scheduled within the next few weeks.
Boxers must retain their professionalism in a difficult time for the sport, says Johnny Nelson
Major boxing bills have already been postponed throughout the world, with the Nevada State Athletic Commission suspending all events until March 25, although the schedule of shows in Britain is yet to be disrupted.
Sky Sports expert Johnny Nelson and welterweight prospect Dan Morley have given their opinion on how the Coronavirus could influence every level of professional boxing.
Will fighters be willing to perform behind closed doors?
Nelson: They may have no choice, it's that simple, because the show might have to go on. They have to get paid, it's their living, so realistically they have no choice. This is their job.
How would a boxer cope without a crowd?
Nelson: It will impact their performances. When you're used to going out to box in front of an audience of 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and there's nobody there, it does make a lot of difference to your performance.
You've still got to make sure you're eating right, you're sleeping right, you're prepping right, and then it's the performance itself. When you might have to perform in front of maybe nobody, that's when it really counts.
Johnny Nelson
Boxers are used to being in the gym, sparring, but you step it up a level when it comes to a fight, you come out of yourself. But remember, a lot of our amateur stars when they're travelling around the world, people don't realise that they are boxing in half empty halls. Now it's about professionalism, you have a job to do. The fighters who need the crowd, need that backing, need that lift, they will always fall short.
You've still got to make sure you're eating right, you're sleeping right, you're prepping right, and then it's the performance itself. When you might have to perform in front of maybe nobody, that's when it really counts. It's about you. I think a lot of fighters will learn so much about themselves, if that happens and they have to fight in those conditions.
Do you think that is a likely scenario, if the sport does continue?
Nelson: Yes, that's what I can see happening, but then again, some fighters live off the tickets sales. That's their fight purse. How does that affect them? The pressure is on the promoters, who want to put shows on. If you haven't got the backing of television, they are the shows that will suffer, where you are dependent on bums on seats.
What about the financial implications for the biggest shows?
Nelson: Like football, most of the revenue is from television. The attendance makes a big difference as well, but a lot of it is TV money. If you didn't have such a massive attendance like Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where would the fight be staged?
Big world title fights can be delayed, because it's a worldwide attraction.
Will postponements put off major potential fights like Anthony Joshua against Tyson Fury?
Nelson: Yes, it just slows everyone down. You shouldn't lose your opportunity.
It gives boxers more time in the gym, because your travel is restricted and all you can do is train. This is all about professionalism. How your attitude is when you have that free time. It's a good time to learn.
If gyms close, how else can boxers prepare?
Nelson: I'm sure boxers will find some way to train, even if it's in their garage at home. They will find a way.
In boxing, fighters can always find a means to train. It's always been that way and I don't think anything will stop that. Just because you don't see the hi-tech gyms, doesn't mean the sport stops. Boxing will survive.
A current fighter's verdict
Dan Morley is a rising contender with a six-fight unbeaten record
I'm no expert on the Coronavirus, but with the way it continues spreading and how severe it's global impact has become in such a short period of time is alarming.
With major sporting events being cancelled all around the world for the foreseeable future, it is worrying for those with their own big fights that remained scheduled within the next few weeks.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102264
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Olympic Boxing Qualifiers For Europe Will Be Suspended
The European Olympic Boxing Qualifying tournament is to be suspended after today’s evening session because of the changing world situation over coronavirus.
The tournament began on Saturday and was supposed to run until March 24 at the Copper Box in London.
However, after the decision was made to continue behind closed doors on Monday, the teams were told on Monday afternoon that this evening’s session will be the last. A statement said that qualification would be suspended until May, with the remaining quote places decided in May and June.
Two qualifying tournaments have already taken place, for Africa and Asia/Oceania. The Americas tournament, which was due to start in Buenos Aires next week, has already been postponed.
The final world qualifying event, scheduled for May, will also now be postponed.
Morinari Watanabe, the head of the IOC’s Boxing Task Force, addressed team officials at a meeting after the afternoon session informing them of the decision.
Increasing travel restrictions meant that there were worries for teams and officials getting home after the event if it had run its course.
A total of 77 quota places for the Tokyo Olympics were due to be up for grabs in London. Of those 16 will be decided tonight and they will stand for when qualifying resumes. The plan would be to start up the tournament at the same point it finishes tonight.
The statement said: “In light of the constantly changing landscape worldwide, the IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) has decided today to suspend the current Boxing Road to Tokyo European qualifier in London, Great Britain, and the subsequent Americas and final world qualifiers, which were scheduled to take place in May.
“The European qualifier, which started on 14 March and was planned to run until 24 March, will be closed after today’s evening session.
“Safeguarding the well-being of the athletes, officials and all other participants is a top priority for the BTF. Since the preparation phase of the event, the BTF has been working in close cooperation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) – the delivery body of the competition – as well as its stakeholders, its own medical experts and the national health authorities, to set up the necessary precautionary measures.
“The BTF eventually took the decision to suspend the event today, amid increasing global travel restrictions and quarantine measures, in order to allow the participants from over 60 countries to adjust their travel plans and return home.
“The BTF will continue to evaluate the situation daily, aiming to complete the distribution of the remaining Tokyo 2020 boxing quota places in May and June. The BTF’s priority remains the qualification of athletes on the field of play, and it will inform all stakeholders as soon as more information is available.”
The IOC also said that it was still committed to staging the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
The European Olympic Boxing Qualifying tournament is to be suspended after today’s evening session because of the changing world situation over coronavirus.
The tournament began on Saturday and was supposed to run until March 24 at the Copper Box in London.
However, after the decision was made to continue behind closed doors on Monday, the teams were told on Monday afternoon that this evening’s session will be the last. A statement said that qualification would be suspended until May, with the remaining quote places decided in May and June.
Two qualifying tournaments have already taken place, for Africa and Asia/Oceania. The Americas tournament, which was due to start in Buenos Aires next week, has already been postponed.
The final world qualifying event, scheduled for May, will also now be postponed.
Morinari Watanabe, the head of the IOC’s Boxing Task Force, addressed team officials at a meeting after the afternoon session informing them of the decision.
Increasing travel restrictions meant that there were worries for teams and officials getting home after the event if it had run its course.
A total of 77 quota places for the Tokyo Olympics were due to be up for grabs in London. Of those 16 will be decided tonight and they will stand for when qualifying resumes. The plan would be to start up the tournament at the same point it finishes tonight.
The statement said: “In light of the constantly changing landscape worldwide, the IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) has decided today to suspend the current Boxing Road to Tokyo European qualifier in London, Great Britain, and the subsequent Americas and final world qualifiers, which were scheduled to take place in May.
“The European qualifier, which started on 14 March and was planned to run until 24 March, will be closed after today’s evening session.
“Safeguarding the well-being of the athletes, officials and all other participants is a top priority for the BTF. Since the preparation phase of the event, the BTF has been working in close cooperation with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) – the delivery body of the competition – as well as its stakeholders, its own medical experts and the national health authorities, to set up the necessary precautionary measures.
“The BTF eventually took the decision to suspend the event today, amid increasing global travel restrictions and quarantine measures, in order to allow the participants from over 60 countries to adjust their travel plans and return home.
“The BTF will continue to evaluate the situation daily, aiming to complete the distribution of the remaining Tokyo 2020 boxing quota places in May and June. The BTF’s priority remains the qualification of athletes on the field of play, and it will inform all stakeholders as soon as more information is available.”
The IOC also said that it was still committed to staging the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Hearn posted a cryptic post on his Instagram about a 'Plan B'. Personally, in my opinion, I would have all of the non-PPV events possible over the next few weeks/months behind closed doors and put them on terrestrial TV "in partnership with sky" or something along those lines.
There is no other sport going on in the UK and barely anything going on in the world. Sports fans are clucking after less than a week. It would be great exposure, when nobody else can compete, as every sports fan will watch it just to get their fix.
There is no other sport going on in the UK and barely anything going on in the world. Sports fans are clucking after less than a week. It would be great exposure, when nobody else can compete, as every sports fan will watch it just to get their fix.
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Nightmare Roy
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 16763
- Joined: 18 May 2003, 17:29
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Emergency services have said they will no longer be present at mass gatherings as it will put their staff at risk. Well you need ambulances and paramedics present in order to stage a fight under BBBC rules.
Bye bye boxing, hopefully see you in a few months time.
Bye bye boxing, hopefully see you in a few months time.
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
The ufc has just cancelled their next three weeks shows. Not looking great for Tony vs. Khabib.
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Londonirish
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 3064
- Joined: 20 Nov 2008, 13:02
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
all BBBC shows cancelled
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102264
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102264
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Some could still take place behind closed doors
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102264
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
As World Boxing News first reported last week when some were convinced we could figure out a way on not canceling the sport for a while, there would be no events taking place until at least June.
AJ-Pulev safe FOR NOW... But who knows.
AJ-Pulev safe FOR NOW... But who knows.
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polecateddy
- Heavyweight
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Most projections have this lasting to next spring.
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Is it true that the WBC have created a new 'Corona' belt?
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
They won't be the highest level but it's something.
Also:
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
They should have somehow managed to save all postponed/cancelled events. Closed shows, changing tickets for PPVs, whatever. Why just to put everything off? It's a good choice with being sure, that all the virus sh*t will end relatively soon. But if it won't?
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102264
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Reports are projecting it will last til Spring 2021.
The UEFA Euro 2020 has been postponed already til 2021.
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
So there's a reason in finding a way to hold the shows, I believe.Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑17 Mar 2020, 09:24Reports are projecting it will last til Spring 2021.
The UEFA Euro 2020 has been postponed already til 2021.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102264
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
MATCHROOM BOXING POSTPONE ALL EVENTS IN MARCH AND APRIL
Following advice from the Government and the BBBoC relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have postponed all events scheduled to be taking place in March and April, including David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly at The O2 in London on March 28, Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on April 4 and Terri Harper vs. Natasha Jonas at the Doncaster Dome on April 24.
Fights scheduled to take place on the Avanesyan vs. Kelly show will be merged into future cards, with ticket refunds for March 28 available at the original point of purchase. Ritson’s clash with Vazquez has been rescheduled to Saturday June 27th, while Harper’s all-British World Title showdown with Jonas has also been rescheduled to June, with a date to be confirmed shortly. Tickets will be valid for these rescheduled dates or refunds will be available from your point of purchase. Further events may also be subject to change.
The health and safety of the boxers, staff, event contractors and fans involved with our events is the top priority for Matchroom Boxing and we thank everyone for their understanding. We look forward to bringing world class boxing events back to these shores as soon as it is safe to do so.
Our thoughts are with everybody affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at this difficult time.
Following advice from the Government and the BBBoC relating to COVID-19, Matchroom Boxing have postponed all events scheduled to be taking place in March and April, including David Avanesyan vs. Josh Kelly at The O2 in London on March 28, Lewis Ritson vs. Miguel Vazquez at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on April 4 and Terri Harper vs. Natasha Jonas at the Doncaster Dome on April 24.
Fights scheduled to take place on the Avanesyan vs. Kelly show will be merged into future cards, with ticket refunds for March 28 available at the original point of purchase. Ritson’s clash with Vazquez has been rescheduled to Saturday June 27th, while Harper’s all-British World Title showdown with Jonas has also been rescheduled to June, with a date to be confirmed shortly. Tickets will be valid for these rescheduled dates or refunds will be available from your point of purchase. Further events may also be subject to change.
The health and safety of the boxers, staff, event contractors and fans involved with our events is the top priority for Matchroom Boxing and we thank everyone for their understanding. We look forward to bringing world class boxing events back to these shores as soon as it is safe to do so.
Our thoughts are with everybody affected by the COVID-19 outbreak at this difficult time.
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Pukka Cheese
- Super Lightweight
- Posts: 441
- Joined: 31 Mar 2017, 15:06
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Surely now is the time for Saudi sportswashing.. 
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Nightmare Roy
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 16763
- Joined: 18 May 2003, 17:29
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
They aren’t letting anyone in at all
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polecateddy
- Heavyweight
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
I'd suggest you'd have no chance of staging a boxing event behind closed doors this summer. The NHS is going to so massively over-taxed, to the point where there will be temporary hospitals in dozens if not hundreds of hotels, that the last thing on earth they are going to have the resources to deal with is a boxing event and the possible medical treatments needed for the boxers.
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
It has had the effect of making this forum go a bit rubbish.
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
I’m not trying to be gloomy. Just a shame there’s not been any fights to talk about.
Things are about to get strange in everyone’s houses.
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102264
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Coronavirus and its impact on boxing
Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kiev in Ukraine, has announced the immediate shut down, starting March 17, of all restaurants, night clubs, gyms, beauty salons, and shopping malls.
Klitschko made the swift decision to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus in Ukraine. All educational institutions have been closed and there is a ban in place on mass events.
The same measures were also established in other Ukrainian cities including Lviv, Odesa, and Ivano-Frankivsk.
Klitschko made the swift decision to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus in Ukraine. All educational institutions have been closed and there is a ban in place on mass events.
The same measures were also established in other Ukrainian cities including Lviv, Odesa, and Ivano-Frankivsk.