Former Super Middleweight Champion David Benavidez Tests Positive for COVID 19 – Aug 28 Main Event Postponed

David Benavidez vs Jose Uzcategui would have decided which of the two fighters would have moved forward in their search for a title shot. Hence, the boxing world was extremely keen to see it come to life. However, they will be disappointed as ‘El Bandera Roja’, who contracted COVID-19, cannot fight in 16 days’ time. Hence, the organizers have now officially postponed the fight.

The fight would have taken place on August 28, with the hungry 24-year-old looking to inch closer to a fight for his lost belt.

At 20, David Benavidez became the youngest champion in super middleweight history as he beat Ronald Gavril. Subsequently, he was stripped off the belt following a VADA positive test (2018) and a missed weigh-in (2020).

Jose Uzcategui is in tremendous form. The 30-year-old Venezuelan has already fought twice in 2021, winning both of his bouts. As the former champion is also aiming for the title shot against Canelo, this fight would have moved the victor a step closer to Alvarez.

Unfortunately, it won’t be soon since Benavidez tested positive for COVID-19. They have not given any confirmed dates for the postponed fight at the time of this writing. First, Benavidez will have to recover from COVID. Then, he will have to go back into training camp to recover from any side effects before he is fit to fight again.

David Benavidez vs Jose Uzcategui joins a long list of postponed fights in 2021

This is not the first fight to get canceled/postponed this year because of the pandemic. Other postponed/canceled fights include the heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder as the former’s camp had a COVID breakout. Also, the George Kambosos Jr vs Teofimo Lopez bout has seen multiple postponements.

Also read: “I Pushed Too Hard and Lost the Vision Completely” – Michael Bisping Has Advice for Errol Spence Jr. Following His Retinal Injury

More recently, Errol Spence Jr. pulled out of his Aug 21 bout against Manny Pacquiao owing to a torn retina. Hence, this year seems cursed for boxing events. What do you make of the fate of the David Benavidez vs Jose Uzcategui bout?