As everyone is aware, Covid-19 has disrupted the sporting calendar and resulted in the postponement of many scheduled boxing fights.Today, the BBBofC issued a statement to promoters on plans for British boxing’s return, but the governing body has warned that restrictions could be enforced in this country.The sport has been suspended since March by the BBBofC, who have now pursued government advice about its resumption. Initially, they have suggested that only limited numbers of people will be allowed to be in attendance.Also, a maximum of five fights will be staged on each fighting bill, which will be reviewed by the board, and there will be a pre-tournament medical form that will test fighters for Covid-19 and have a pre-tournament quarantine.The statement from the BBBofC read: “At present there is no date for lockdown to end. Public health and safety is everyone's top priority and the British Boxing Board of Control is taking Government advice so that we can best advise all our licence holders as to when professional Boxing in the UK can resume.“We recognise that licence holders will want to prepare for restrictions being lifted and sport resuming. It is important to recognise that when professional Boxing promotions can resume there may be restrictions in place.“Depending upon Government decisions it is hopeful that professional Boxing will commence in July 2020 and we will continue to use our best endeavours to do so and are working closely with our Promoters.“Initially, it is unlikely that crowd attending promotions will be permitted.
“In that situation the emphasis will be on minimal numbers of Officials, Licence Holder's, members of the Promoter's team and broadcasting personnel to facilitate a tournament that meets all BBBofC safety requirements.
“No tournament will be permitted to run unless the venue has been approved by the BBBofC post the Government lockdown being lifted.”
Everyone who takes notice of the sport will pray for its swift routine. However, these stages that are being put in place will surely please the majority of boxing fans, who will just be desperate to have some action back on the screens, even if it means they can't attend the event in person.