Promoter Bob Arum has endured for more than five decades in boxing and has no intention of changing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top Rank's CEO said he is working on drafting the protocols in coordination with the Nevada and California Athletic Commissions to present events behind closed doors as early as this June.
“We are confident that once we can outline the protocols we will open without spectators. I hope to start in early June and we'll be observing everything for the health of the boxers, the corners, the officials and technicians. I trust that during May they will approve the proposals,” explained Arum to Carlos Gonzalez.
“Every sport has its problems, but they can be solved. I do not care how many fights we are going to give, my intention is to do them in a safe environment for the fighters and their families because I do not want to have in my consciousness that someone gets infected and it results in a death."
Arum said that the document he's preparing is being done with the help of health professionals and will serve as the basis for other states that also regulate combat sports.
"We are writing the protocols for the commissions to evaluate and, if it is accepted, the other promoters will be governed by it. If a company presents a better one, we would allow ourselves to be carried it. No one has the copyright. Our interest is to help the commissions so that we can proceed with making fights without spectators,” Arum said.
Arum's goal is to present two to three weekly events starting in June
"We are going to need a lot of boxers. So they shouldn't wait until the fall to fight unless it's their choice. If they are ready for June or July, we will put them on a card," Arum said.
Arum, on the other hand, did not venture to offer a figure of money lost due to cancellations.
"Trying to make a calculation would be purposeless. I prefer to spend time working with the protocols to start events without spectators. Once we have a vaccine, we can return to normal," Arum said.
"I think at the beginning it will be a little more difficult for small promoters if they don't have the television income, because [tickets are] the only way to finance the fights and all the components, but I feel very optimistic."