California has canceled all combat sports cards until at least the end of March as a result of the coronavirus threat.
The growing coronavirus threat continues to force cancellations and postponements, including boxing in California throughout at least the end of March.
The California State Athletic Commission told all the state’s promoters that boxing and mixed martial arts cards have been banned through March 31 because of the virus, also called COVID-19.
“This morning, we were informed by the California State Athletic Commission that all combative sports events have been canceled for the month of March due to concerns regarding COVID-19,” Golden Boy Promotion Chairman Oscar De La Hoya said in a statement. “Therefore, our March 19 and March 28 events at Avalon Hollywood and the Forum, respectively, have officially been postponed.
“We will work with state and local officials as well as our venue and broadcast partners to determine the best course of action with respect to these and other upcoming events, both in California and elsewhere.”
“The health and safety of our fighters, fans, employees, officials and partners is of the utmost importance to us, and we thank them for their support and understanding during this time. We will communicate further plans when the time is appropriate.”
Golden Boy welterweight prospect Vergil Ortiz Jr. was scheduled to face Samuel Vargas on March 28 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. Golden Boy also had scheduled a card for March 19 at the Avalon Hollywood club featuring featherweight Joet Gonzalez against Chris Avalos.
It wasn’t clear Thursday when either would be re-scheduled. According to the statement, people who already purchased tickets, at the box office or on line, can get refunds.
The decision to ban boxing and MMA for the rest of the month was based on a directive from California Governor Gavin Newsom. In a statement, the CSAC said:
“Based on guidance issued by California Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to protect Californians against the possible spread of COVID-19, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) is canceling all events through March 31. CSAC will use this period to determine the next steps for moving forward with future events.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued guidance that certain types of gatherings be postponed or canceled in March to protect public health and slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission. The recommendation applies to all nonessential professional, social, and community gatherings.”
At least two other cards were scheduled for March in California. A six-rounder between middleweights Quillisto Madera and Alexis Gaytan was scheduled for March 21 in Stockton. A Tom Loeffler-promoted card featuring Brian Ceballo vs. Brian Jones was scheduled for March 29 at The Avalon.
Across the country, a card featuring James Kirkland vs. Marcos Hernandez scheduled for Saturday in Maryland also was postponed because of the virus threat.
“In the interest of public health and after reviewing the current information on COVID-19, we have decided the best course of action is to postpone Saturday’s event,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We understand how disappointing this is to boxing fans and regret any inconvenience.”
All ticket orders will be refunded.
