British boxing is making plans for a return to action in June, with behind-closed-doors shows planned first as long as the UK coronavirus lockdown is lifted.
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) has stopped all shows for April and May, but is aiming to be back in June.
“We hope to be back in early June or at least by the end of that month and July at the outside,” Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board on Control, told BoxingScene.com.
On Thursday, the UK government extended the lockdown by at least three weeks, but while several sports in the UK are giving up on a return to action before after summer, boxing is determined to return, as long as proper medical coverage can be assured.
“There may be a situation that we are limited with the amount of people who are allowed to attend, so we may not be looking at any big arena shows at the moment,” Smith said. “The first shows could be behind-closed-doors.”
Talks have been going on with medical experts to ensure there will be availability of both doctors and paramedics at ringside, as all will have been called into action to work for the National Health Service in the present pandemic. There will also have to be available space at local hospital in case of an emergency.
“We have 125 doctors that we work with,” Smith said. “I’ve spoken to several about what will be possible. As well as what the boxers have been going through without earning any money, we have to be appreciative to what our doctors have been dealing with over this time.
“A lot of the private ambulance and paramedic companies we work with are working for the NHS right now. It is always the case that before a show goes ahead, the nearest hospital with a neurological unit is informed in advance to ensure there will be space in the event of an injury.”
Under the current Government lockdown, all non-essential shops and restaurants are closed, as well as cinemas, theatres, gyms, libraries, pubs, arenas and leisure centres. People are allowed out of their homes to shop for necessities, once for exercise, for medal care and travelling to and from work if they cannot work from home. Meetings of more than two people are banned unless they live in the same household.
Several sports have already decided to scrap major summer events, with Wimbledon and the Open Championship among those called off. The County Championship in cricket has been cancelled as well as lower-league football and rugby.
The biggest horse racing event of the summer, Royal Ascot, has declared its intention to take place in June behind closed doors.