The featured fights pulled from Top Rank cards because of the coronavirus could take place on July 14.
The main event between Jose Pedraza and Mikkel LesPierre scheduled for tonight (Thursday) in a ball room at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas was canceled after LesPierre’s manager – with whom the fighter had come in contact within a controlled bubble — tested positive for COVID-19 after Wednesday’s weigh-in.
Top Rank is targeting July 14 as the new date for that fight, BoxingScene.com is reporting. Mikaela Mayer, whose June 9 fight with Helen Joseph was canceled after Mayer tested positive, would face Joseph on the new card.
“We’re looking to reschedule the fight for July 14th,” Carl Moretti, Top Rank’s vice president of operations, told BoxingScene.com. “If both camps agree to that date, that’s when we’ll do the fight.”
The positive test of Josie Tavares, LesPierre’s manager, was returned Thursday morning. That’s when the fighter learned he was off the card.
“I am devastated,” LesPierre said in a statement released by Top Rank. “This was my opportunity to showcase my talent to the world, but everything happens for a reason. This is just another roadblock in my story. I apologize to Jose and his team for any inconvenience this caused. He is a great boxer, and I hope we can reschedule the fight as soon as possible.”
Tavares was apologetic.
“I apologize for the inconvenience this caused,” he said. “I am not exhibiting any symptoms. I am looking forward to hopefully rescheduling this fight as soon as possible. I am devastated for Mikkel.”
The co-feature between Gabriel Flores Jr. (17-0, 6 KOs) and Josec Ruiz (21-2-3, 14 KOs) will be elevated to the main event tonight. The card will be televised on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.