The title fight between Jamel Herring and Jonathan Oquendo scheduled for tomorrow was canceled because Herring tested positive for COVID-19 a second time, Top Rank announced.
The Herring-Oquendo fight was originally scheduled for July 2 but it was postponed after Herring’s initial positive test. Herring reportedly recovered and tested negative, which allowed the fight to be rescheduled for tomorrow inside the MGM Grand bubble in Las Vegas.
Herring said he was surprised to have tested positive a second time.
“I’m extremely disappointed that I’m not going to be able to fight tomorrow night,” Herring said in a press release. “As I’ve shared previously, I tested positive for COVID-19 on June 22 after exhibiting symptoms. I quarantined and recovered as directed by my doctor. I then retested on July 3 and my test was negative, so this result is a complete surprise.
“I was fully prepared to make my second title defense tomorrow night. I am hoping that my team and Top Rank can reschedule this fight soon. Thank you for all the support everyone has shown. I can’t wait to get back in the ring and perform.”
The 10-round junior lightweight bout between 2016 U.S. Olympian Mikael Mayer and Helen Joseph has been elevated to the main event.
The ESPN telecast will include three other fights: Clay Collard vs. Lorawnt-T Nelson, six rounds, middleweights; Ruben Cervera vs. Clay Burns, six rounds, lightweights; and Javier Martinez vs. Jonathan Burrs, four rounds, middleweights.