Robert Brizel Editorial: Should Boxing Continue on TV Without an Audience as a Precaution?
Editorial By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
With All countries of the world now impacted by the COVID-19 Wuhan coronavirus, and amateur professional sports including boxing on hiatus, a critical question now arises: should amateur and professional boxing be permitted to continue on television without an audience as a precaution? COVID-19 resembles the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, which killed upwards of between 50 million to 200 million people worldwide. While boxing and other sports took no special precautions over a century ago, today gatherings of 250 or more people are not allowed, until the coronavirus pandemic is resolved worldwide. Many boxing cards feature fighters on the ‘B’ side from foreign countries other than the one the person or persons are fighting in. Since the coronavirus can only travel from one country or another from person to person, either airborne or by casual contact, the importation of foreign fighters into the host country because of the relevant contradiction.
Therefore, two dilemmas are presented. One, boxing cards have ticket limitations, owing to coronavirus precautionary measures now in place. It is no longer possible for promoters in the present moment to have more than 250 persons in a location to stage a boxing card, amateur or professional. Therefore, it is theoretically possible to stage boxing events with DAZN and other substantial television sponsorship for the worldwide television viewing audience. It just means, like this past weekend’s televised Minnesota card, the audience in attendance will be limited. Yes, boxing can be presented on TV for the studio audience.
Second, since international travel is limited, the ability to import foreign fighters or stage world championships under these conditions is limited. Therefore, domestic promoters will have to match fighters from within their own countries, or become innovative to stage regional and world titles between fighters based within their own countries, until such time as coronavirus restrictions are limited. A national or international quarantine, if it subsequently occurs, would mean individuals could be confined to their home zone, with exception to trip to the grocery stores, pharmacies, doctor’s offices and hospitals for the most part. With government buildings, schools, bars and restaurants beginning to close form state to state, and country, the situation is still evolving. If a six feet rule between individuals is to be part of the general standard, obviously boxing could no longer take place. The final question arises as to whether two combatants touching boxing clubs, or engaged in a direct contact MMA war, can be allowed. If a handshake, or an elbow high five is not allowed, then boxing and MMA will be on hiatus for a while, and will be relegated to small training gyms, until the situation is resolved. It should be noted as of March 16, 2020, over 171,000 people have contracted coronavirus. Over 78,000 have made a full recovery. 6,500 have died. 87,000 cases are still active. 84,000 cases are now closed.
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