BRITISH boxers could be tested for coronavirus as part of their medicals ahead of fights.
The move, which would be brought in to try and control the spread, would see the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury go through extra examinations before stepping into the ring again.
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Anthony Joshua and his fellow British boxers look set to be tested for coronavirus before fights to control the pandemic spreadCredit: EPA
It would affect around 1,200 licensed boxers and could also include trainers and cornermen.
Robert Smith, secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, told The Telegraph: “Testing as a matter of principle as part of the medicals that boxers always do is a very strong possibility.
“I met with one of our medical officers this week and I wouldn’t rule that out at all. It makes absolute sense. Certainly for the short term, that is something we have to look at very seriously.
“Boxing gyms are not the cleanest places in the country. You’ve got leather gloves. Germs spread in any gym. We have a duty of care to everybody participating in our shows. If we are told by the doctors that’s what we’ve got to do, then that’s what we’ve got to do.
“We have to make sure we have the right medical cover at tournaments. We’ve got to make sure any boxer who needs to go to hospital, they can be taken and accepted.
“I have a duty of care to the health of my officials as well.”
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Fighters must undergo medical examinations before bouts to ensure they are safe to step into the ring.
The eyes, ears, heart, central nervous system, blood pressure and weight are all checked among a number of other tests of the lungs and vital internal organs.
Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce was due to take place on April 11 as the pair battled for the European, British & Commonwealth heavyweight titles – but that has been put back to July 11.
On May 2, Dillian Whyte was supposed to meet Alexander Povetkin for the WBC ‘Interim’ title in Manchester before Eddie Hearn confirmed that was also off.
Joshua’s clash with Kubrat Pulev was set for June but that is likely to be pushed back while Fury’s trilogy fight with Deontay Wilder is expected to be staged in October rather than July.
So Smith is also aware that the backlog of fights being postponed during the coronavirus pandemic could cause congestion once the sport gets underway again.
He added: “If every promoter decides to run shows the first weekend we’re allowed to, we won’t be able to supply the officials.
“It’s just a matter of us thinking clearly ahead and calmly, and also with the benefit of the sport in mind and not just the individual.
“The number of doctors needed depends on the size of the tournament and the venue. When we have shows at Wembley Stadium we have six or seven doctors. We need calm heads. It’s not over yet and it won’t be when the lockdown is lifted.
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“Shows are off in May and then we’ll be looking at June. We have to see if it’s feasible if things can start. The problem we’ve got is that if the Government stops the lockdown, that doesn’t mean boxing can start the next day.
“Doctors aren’t going to be available, fighters won’t be match fit. It could take a couple of weeks, maybe three, for boxing to be able to take place after the lockdown is lifted.
“You do have the other possibility of how long is it going to take for spectators to come to gatherings? That could take time.”
Boxers are rigorously checked over by doctors and medics both before and after stepping in the ring to reduce the risk of serious harmCredit: PA:Press Association
Dillian Whyte fight against Alexander Povetkin OFF due to coronavirus but Hearn predicts boxing return in June
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
