ANTHONY JOSHUA’S heavyweight showdown with Kubrat Pulev could have 1,000 fans in attendance.
It comes after the Government announced a relaxing of coronavirus rules surrounding sporting events.
AJ puts his belts on the line on December 12Credit: PA
AJ’s Matchroom promoters have been campaigning to let a small section of fans attend his long-awaited return, after two years away from the UK dealing with Andy Ruiz Jr and the Covid-19 lockdown.
SunSport understands they hope to get the maximum number of fans permitted by the new rules in to watch AJ in action.
Matchroom will hold talks with the Government over the coming week.
At this moment, they are planning for the event to be behind closed doors, but will be ready to bring fans in right up until the last moment.
The London 2012 gold medallist is putting his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles on the line against the Bulgarian at Wembley Arena on December 12.
New rules mean mean fans who live in Tiers 1 and 2 will be able to return to indoor and outdoor sporting events from December 2.
London is expected to be in Tier 2 when the national lockdown ends. It’s been reported that would allow for 1,000 fans indoors, or 50 per cent capacity.
Speaking before today’s announcement, the 31-year-old champ said: “December 12 is the date and once again the heavyweight belts go up in the air and it is my sole focus to make sure that, come December 13, they are in their rightful place in the UK.
“Without the fans something huge is missing.
“I am really hoping that, safety permitting, we might be able to bring some boxing fans in but we will have to see.”
Fans not in attendance will have to fork out £24.95 to watch the title fight.
Speaking earlier today, the Prime Minister said: “In Tiers 1 and 2 spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.”
Sports fans haven’t been allowed to watch their teams in person since before the first lockdown back in March.
It remains the case that those in Tier 3 will remain locked out.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport have been pushing plans to allow fans in areas where coronavirus infection rates are low to attend events.
But others in Government were concerned about creating packed trains and forcing people to queue outside stadiums – which could possibly spread the virus and increase infections.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
