The World Boxing Super Series Cruiserweight final between Mairis Breidis and Yunier Dorticos set for March 21st has been postponed due to the Coronavirus outbreak, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com.
“Local authorities in Latvia have adopted comprehensive measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, events with more than 200 people present have been prohibited until April 14,” the World Boxing Series said in a statement. “In regard to the risk of infection, the local authorities have concluded that the WBSS cruiserweight final is a particularly high-risk event, not only for the athletes themselves but also for all local and foreign staff involved in the organization and conduct of the event.
“For this reason, the WBSS cruiserweight final between Mairis Briedis and Yunier Dorticos cannot take place as planned. The new date planned for the final in Arena Riga is May 16. However, this is, of course, dependent on the current restrictions being lifted. The health of all those involved to stage this historic event is and will always be the primary concern of the WBSS and we will continue to carefully monitor the situation with the authorities and the athlete’s teams.”
“While I was in great shape and looking forward to coming to Latvia to win the Muhammad Ali trophy, I understood the impracticality and therefore l will have to wait until May to win the tournament,” Dorticos said. “I want to thank all my fans for their patience and I ask that everyone be careful and take the necessary steps to stay healthy during these challenging times.”
“We’ve done great work in preparation until the very last planned training, but it is what it is and we will now adapt to the new situation and keep training to wait for the green light,” Briedis said. “Looking forward to fighting in front of my fans when it’s safe. Take care of yourself, people.”
