Coronavirus and boxing: Proposals include masks, no spitting into buckets and no fans
- Published
Under proposed rules, trainers and those in the corner will need to wear a protective mask at fight nights
Boxers on British fight shows will wear protective masks during ring walks and could be banned from using a spit bucket between rounds under proposed rules for events.
The sport is gearing up for a behind-closed-doors return in the UK in July, after being shut down in most countries across the world as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Referees and trainers in the fighters' corners must wear protective masks throughout any event and the proposals include thorough testing of all those involved.
In a five-page consultation document sent to UK promoters and seen by BBC Sport, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) says a July restart will initially see events contain no more than five bouts and no "championship contests".
The document sets out proposed rules which include:
Fight shows to begin without any fans
Boxers, referees and trainers will be transported to the venue wearing personal protective masks
A fighter may remove their protective mask when inside the ring - but referees and teams in the corner must keep theirs on
Boxers may not spit in their respective corners
No ring announcers, ring girls or TV cameras inside the ring
All proposed venues must be reviewed by the BBBofC and "cleaned to a medical standard" before the event
Only "essential" officials, promoters and broadcasters can attend
Individuals in high-risk categories such as pregnant women, those "seriously overweight" or people with diabetes should not attend
Everyone at an event must be tested for Covid-19
All boxers, trainers and referees must be tested for Covid-19 48 hours before fight night and self-isolate at a hotel until their test result is known
The BBBofC contacted BBC Sport on Wednesday and said none of the proposed rules were binding and that the views of promoters will be considered over the coming weeks.
The organisation also said there will not be a complete ban on spitting but that a method for a fighter to "refresh themselves" will be implemented. The use of a sealed device was cited as a possibility.
It was also made clear that while championship contests such as those for the British title are off limits for any return event, they could form part of shows in the near future if feasible.
Promoter Eddie Hearn said the proposals provided "huge barriers to overcome", while another industry insider described the document as "farcical".
Who is due to fight in July?
The next major fights scheduled in Britain in July are:
4 July: Manchester Arena - Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin (WBC interim heavyweight title), Katie Taylor v Amanda Serrano (WBC, IBF, WBO and WBA lightweight titles); Callum Johnson v Igor Mikhalkin (vacant European light-heavyweight title)
11 July: O2 Arena, London - Daniel Dubois v Joe Joyce (British & Commonwealth heavyweight titles); Anthony Yarde v Lyndon Arthur (light-heavyweight)
There are also several postponed fights that need new dates, including Anthony Joshua's world heavyweight title defence against Kubrat Pulev - originally due to be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
What else did the BBBofC say?
The governing body has made clear it would not place added pressure on the National Health Service by resuming boxing too early. Fight nights require the attendance of ambulances and medical personnel, as well as access to nearby neurosurgical care in the event of a serious injury.
The BBBofC would take responsibility for ensuring hospital access was possible and said individuals would have their temperature taken outside of venues on the night. In addition, any individual fighting at, or attending, the event who did not fill in a new mandatory medical questionnaire would not be permitted to enter.
Under the rules outlined, promoters must take responsibility for a hotel suitable for self-isolation as well as Covid-19 testing for fighters.
Those moves are likely to lead to added costs at a time where ticket sales will be non-existent and the generation of pay-per-view revenue unrealistic in the short term.
Should the UK government amend its guidance on how the spread of coronavirus can be best managed, the BBBofC said it could adapt some of its proposed measures.
If shows were staged with the new rules in place, fans would see officials and television commentary teams sat two metres apart at ringside, with all parties dressed in short-sleeve shirts in a bid to improve hygiene.
Under the guidelines, people 70 years old or older, those with chronic lung disease or moderate asthma, individuals with serious heart conditions and anyone who has had a fever, cough, cold or flu-like symptoms in the previous 14-day period cannot attend events.
In reacting to the BBBofC's document, trainer Joe Gallagher, who guides the career of world super-middleweight champion Callum Smith among others, tweeted: "Why the rush and do things in half measures? Make sure everyone is safe and well and let's look at getting going in September. Give everyone time to get back training, sparring and make sure everyone is safe."
Boxers are currently unable attend their usual gyms because of social distancing guidelines, or conduct the sparring they rely on in preparing for a fight.
Some fighters and trainers are also living with individuals deemed high-risk if they contract coronavirus, meaning a return to any gym environment represents an added challenge if they are to avoid potentially contracting the virus and passing it to loved ones.
On Wednesday it was announced the UK now has the highest number of coronavirus deaths in Europe.
- Published29 November 2021
