Boxing Events Suspends Play over Coronavirus Outbreak

We are now in a situation where with each day which passes brings more announcements about the sporting world and its events being postponed, cancelled, or moved behind closed doors.

Boxing too has been affected by the spread of coronavirus and its impact is widespread.

Professional or amateur alike, all boxing events have been pushed to a later date or moved to the closed doors, audience-free.

Oscar De La Hoya, the head of Golden Boy Promotions, reveals that he has now put a stop to cards on the 19th and 28th of this month.

“This morning, we were informed by the California State Athletic Commission that all combative sports events have been cancelled for the month of March.”

“We will now work with state and local officials,” he further adds to the news.

The former professional boxer and now a boxing promoter, Oscar De La Hoya goes on to include that “as well as our venue and broadcast partners to determine the best course of action with respect to these and other upcoming events.”

Earlier today it was announced by Top Rank, the promoter of two upcoming boxing events set to be staged at Madison Square Garden have been postponed due to the spread of coronavirus.

Shakur Stevenson, the Newark native was to defend his WBO featherweight title against Miguel Marriaga of Colombia on Saturday.

“After close consultation with the New York State Athletic Commission it has been determined that Saturday’s and Tuesday’s events cannot proceed in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis,” Top Rank announced in a statement.

The promotion further adds that they “will work with the Commission to reschedule the events as soon as it is safe for all involved.”

Who is Oscar De La Hoya?

The Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya, has been a part of some of the most lucrative fight in the history of boxing, including him and Floyd Mayweather.

Brought up in the Hispanic quarter of Los Angeles, he is now seen as the voice of his community which is one of boxing’s most solid areas of support.

Apart from boxing, the Golden Boy has various interests and stakes in the clothing line and other endorsements ranging from credit cards to booze.