Zanfer Promotions head Fernando Beltran is envisioning his Mexico-based boxing business to be up and running in the coming weeks amidst the coronavirus crisis.
“We’re doing everything to bring the sport back to TV, and I think we are going to do it very, very soon,” Zanfer told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “We’re going to keep working hard. It’s a matter of weeks that you are going to see live boxing. We’ve been following Mexico’s secretary of health’s orders, and one of the sectors that will open May 17 will be part of where TV Azteca is located. We can concentrate on some quality fighters and do a closed-door show from the location of the studio and send it to the world. We have all of the elements of doing something special. We want to start again responsibly and not against the protocols of Mexico.”
Beltran said they’re trying to implement a health protocol along with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, among others, where they can do medical exams before and after the show, perhaps at a nearby hotel, to ensure the safety of the fighters.
“We want to make sure we’re not risking anybody,” said Beltran. “This is only a plan, of course, and needs to be authorized. We’re always working and trying to innovate to do things for the sport.”
The Tijuana, Mexico-based Beltran presides over the careers of current and former champions Jaime Munguía, Juan Francisco Estrada, Emanuel Navarrete, Miguel Berchelt, Luis Nery and Elwin Soto in co-promotional capacities.
The audience-free TV Azteca shows do not have any specific fighters outlined to headline the showcase as of yet. The multimedia conglomerate is headquartered in Mexico City.
According to a report published April 21 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mexico has 8,261 confirmed cases for Covid-19, and 686 people have died of the virus thus far.
“We’re frustrated. But I really believe we need to take care of ourselves first,” said Beltran. “After the pandemic passes, we’re definitely going to be in a better place and come back in a big fashion. The fighters have to keep themselves busy at home by staying in shape. I’m sure that everyone on my roster is responsible.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist and member of the Boxing Writers Assn. of America since 2011. He has written for the likes of the LA Times, Guardian, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Men’s Health and NFL.com and currently does TV commentary for combat sports programming that airs on Fox Sports and hosts his own radio show in Los Angeles. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan or via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com.
