Pandemic hits boxing hard with fights disrupted

BOXING has been one of the most-affected sports during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, according to a promoter.
Oceania Fight Promotions managing director Maryanne Millie said much of the activities and events for professional boxing in the country were scaled down or restricted to comply with Covid-19 measures set by the authorities.
While commenting on future events and bouts in the country, she said next year’s calendar was still uncertain given the current disruptions caused by the pandemic.
“Much of our plans for next year will not be announced due to the planning involved in complying with the ‘new normal’ measures in place,” she said.
“We can’t host fights without approval from the National Control Centre, so we will all have to work together moving forward, so that we can send our fighters abroad or invite fighters into the country.
“It has been very hard on our boxers who are fortunate enough to have clubs where they train.
“These clubs play a big part in getting them fit and ready to step into the ring.
“By now, we know most of them are already deep into their training.”
Millie said there were plans for an exhibition of international boxing icons in the country.
“The showdown for an international boxing match was signed in 2019, but due to Covd-19, we were unable to host fights,” she said.
“It would be great if we could bring a boxing icon into the country to attract more attention to the sport and help it grow.”