Corona virus killing sports at the moment

[Master]

Nicaraguan boxing event goes ahead with masks and temperature checks

Boxing action may have ground to a halt in the United Kingdom and across the world because of the coronavirus pandemic - but in Nicaragua, it is business as usual.

Well, almost.

On Saturday night, a fight card with a difference took place in capital city Managua, with fighters sporting face masks - as did referees, judges, the media, fans and ring girls.



Boxers were allowed to remove their protective mask to fight, while those in attendance were instructed to disinfect their hands and shoes upon entry before being forced to sit a safe distance apart.

Nicaragua has not adopted social distancing measures and as a result, fighters were allowed to stand nose to nose for a traditional face-off at Friday's weigh in, albeit while wearing masks.



Nicaraguan legend and current WBA super-flyweight champion Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez turned out to watch the fight night - and like all spectators, had his temperature checked before entering the Alexis Arguello Sports Center.

Several fighters withdrew from the card but organisers had said they wanted to send a message that the sport continues by staging the show, which offered free tickets. In the main event, Nicaraguan lightweight Robin Zamora outpointed compatriot Ramiro Blanco.



Authorities in Nicaragua have allowed sporting events - such as the country's football season - to continue during the coronavirus pandemic. World Health Organization data shows three people have died from the virus in the Central American country.

More than 20,000 people have died from the virus in the UK, where boxing has been shut down until at least the end of May.

Some promoters hope to resume action behind closed doors but the British Boxing Board of Control has intimated the sport could take time to resume when day-to-day restrictions are lifted in the UK.

General Secretary Robert Smith has said the medical personnel needed ringside and hospital access required for fight nights must be considered when the NHS is already under strain.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/52432485

[Master]

Joseph Parker hoping August fight in 'New Zealand bubble' gets approval

Joseph Parker is hoping a fight in New Zealand in August will get approval amid the coronavirus pandemic, with Lucas Browne his most likely opponent.

David Higgins, who manages former WBO heavyweight champion Parker, is working to remove any obstacles to ensure a fight against Australian Browne can be finalised.

Browne is seen as the highest-profile fighter close to New Zealand at a time where global travel restrictions remain in place.

The event would be scaled down with as few as 100 people in attendance and some of the funds generated from what Higgins hopes will be a huge television audience would go to charity.

A decision is expected inside the next week, with Parker looking to get back into world title contention and avenge defeats he suffered to Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte.

"Team Parker together with Matchroom and our broadcast partners, we'd like to make history, and run a safe, credible boxing promotion, coming out of the pandemic," Higgins said to Sky Sports.

"In a small New Zealand bubble, but on worldwide TV, hopefully to a couple of billion viewers and raise money for charity at the same time.

"Provide entertainment, hope, supplies, and show that we can get the economy going again. That's our goal, we're working on it, and we'll do our best.

"Right now in partnership with Matchroom we're doing due diligence on a possible Joseph Parker fight in August in New Zealand.

"Location is sort of a bit further down the track. In the check list, safety first.

"Got to make sure that everyone is safe and that we fit with government regulations, then it's a matter of, is it economically viable?"



Parker confirmed on Twitter that his team was "working behind the scenes" to arrange a fight, adding a pray emoji to express his hopes a solution could be found.

Higgins explained his client's preferred opponent, adding: "In our part of the world, the most experienced heavyweight possibility for Joe is probably Lucas Browne.

"If you read his record, his losses have been to very good fighters and he's a guy that probably deserves a shot.

"You've got other guys like Junior Fa, guys in Australia, but they haven't fought nearly as good opponents as Lucas and they're not as experienced. I think there might be a deal there [with Browne]."

https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/cor...114036698.html

[X]

I wasn't bothered by football and cricket being cancelled.

I could cope with tennis and athletics being put off.

I was bereft when boxing and rugby was cancelled.

But THIS IS THE LAST STRAW. THE WORLD HAS GONE CRAZY, WE ARE IN THE END OF DAYS WHEN THIS HAPPENS

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-52571038?

[walrus]

I wasn't bothered by football and cricket being cancelled.

I could cope with tennis and athletics being put off.

I was bereft when boxing and rugby was cancelled.

But THIS IS THE LAST STRAW. THE WORLD HAS GONE CRAZY, WE ARE IN THE END OF DAYS WHEN THIS HAPPENS

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-52571038?

At least we can watch it online imagine if it was canceled all together. Don’t screw with my nob

[Master]

Organisers said entries had come in from all corners of the UK, including Castle Donington, Ellesmere Port and Cockermouth. Now that has got to be made up.

[walrus]

Organisers said entries had come in from all corners of the UK, including Castle Donington, Ellesmere Port and Cockermouth. Now that has got to be made up.

If it isn’t made up I want to move to that town or city. I can laugh every time I get the mail. And if something tragic happens in the town I will be Cockermouth strong. Most US towns try to make a catchy name. Do they do that in England? Something like “it’s better with Cockermouth”

[Master]

Organisers said entries had come in from all corners of the UK, including Castle Donington, Ellesmere Port and Cockermouth. Now that has got to be made up.

If it isn’t made up I want to move to that town or city. I can laugh every time I get the mail. And if something tragic happens in the town I will be Cockermouth strong. Most US towns try to make a catchy name. Do they do that in England? Something like “it’s better with Cockermouth”

No. There must be a story behind that name for the town and I get the feeling it was named after a woman.