Nigerian boxer Helen Joseph’s huge fight versus undefeated American, Mikaela Mayer has been suspended.
This was after Mayer tested positive for the coronavirus. 29-year-old Mayer said she was “heartbroken” after being ruled out of boxing’s first major event since the sport’s shutdown. Joseph and Mayer had been primed for the fight which was billed to held on Tuesday in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mayer, who fought on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s win over Tom Schwarz in 2019, showed no symptoms and said testing positive was “a complete surprise” to her.
“I was really looking forward to bringing back boxing for all of you,” Mayer wrote on Instagram.
“I’m disappointed for myself, my team, my supporters and for my opponent, Helen Joseph, who worked just as hard to be here this week and put on a show for everyone,” she said.
Promoter Bob Arum’s Top Rank organisation said the test was flagged as part of “extensive measures” and a “protocol playbook in place” to manage the risk of spreading coronavirus during the event.
The MGM Grand show – which will not be open to fans or media – will feature American super-featherweight Shakur Stevenson taking on Puerto Rico’s Felix Caraballo. A second show will be broadcast from the venue on Thursday.
