Michael Conlan: Belfast man's St Patrick's Day bout called off over coronavirus
- Published
The London 2012 Olympic medallist was scheduled to face Colombia's Belmar Preciado in a St Patrick's Day contest
Michael Conlan's fight in New York on Tuesday, 17 March has been called off because of the coronavirus outbreak.
It was initially announced that Belfast man Conlan's St Patrick's Day fight with Belmar Preciado at Madison Square Garden would take place behind closed doors, but it has now been postponed.
Top Rank, Conlan's promoter, took the decision after consulting with the New York State Athletic Commission.
Another Top Rank bill scheduled for New York on Saturday is also off.
"It has been determined that Saturday's and Tuesday's events cannot proceed in light of the ongoing coronavirus crisis," said a statement.
"Top Rank will work with the commission to reschedule the events as soon as it is safe for all involved."
Conlan, an Olympic bronze medallist at London 2012, said he was "gutted" the fight is off.
He was scheduled to top the bill as he sought a 14th straight win since leaving the amateur ranks.
"I've spent a lot of time away from my family and spent a lot of money on training for this but unfortunately it's been postponed to hopefully a date very soon," he wrote on Twitter.
"Wishing everyone health at this weird time. Working hard for 10 weeks away from my kids for no pay. Terrible, could cry. No-one's fault but not a nice situation."