‘We want fans around table’
SHAKUR STEVENSON gets boxing back under way behind closed doors in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
The WBO featherweight champion was two days from defending his belt on March 14 when the fight was pulled because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He returns in a gentle 10-rounder at junior lightweight. Felix Caraballo is not the challenge here. The bill is effectively a dress rehearsal to test how best to proceed.
We will be watching closely on this side of the pond, where there is growing anticipation about a return to the ring in July.
The British Boxing Board of Control has yet to give the nod to start sparring, but we are in daily contact and a number of promoters are in talks about shows. It’s going to be different, that’s for sure.
Only the fighters and key team members plus event staff and medics will be allowed on site.
The absence of a crowd will doubtless change the atmosphere but that shouldn’t be too much of a concern for the boxers.
They do most of their work behind closed doors in the gym. Indeed some of their best, most intense work is done in sparring in front of a handful of people.
Some fighters struggle to replicate that form in front of a crowd. The atmosphere can stifle and inhibit performance.
Others absolutely feed off the sense of occasion in the big arenas.
For those with deep amateur backgrounds it will be like going back in time.
Even at the biggest international events boxers fought in largely empty arenas during the preliminary rounds.
We shall all have to adapt to the new protocols. And fighters will have to adjust to the new economic circumstances.
Those at the top of the market fighting for world titles on pay-perview shows will still make a bob or two, but small hall shows are gone for now. Fighters have been keeping themselves in decent shape as far as lockdown allowed.
But the real work cannot begin until sparring restarts.
The BBBC has rarely been busier, working every hour to put the right protocols in place to ensure the safety of the fighters. Everyone will have to be tested and once sparring starts, maintain bio-secure environments.
It’s a huge challenge but boxing is determined to get it right. Matchroom have unveiled ambitious plans to set up in the grounds of their Essex HQ. That’s one way of doing it. The fighters are ready, anticipation is growing. We are just waiting for the green light.
DARTS bosses still hope next month’s World Matchplay will be played in Blackpool – in front of a crowd.
The PDC confirmed the event will go ahead from July 18-26, with Rob Cross defending the Phil Taylor Trophy he lifted a year ago at Winter Gardens.
But if lockdown restrictions keep out fans, the PDC have plans to stage it behind closed doors in Milton Keynes.
PDC chief executive Matt Porter said: “It is still our intention to play with a crowd and we remain in talks.” A final decision will be taken by July 4.
SNOOKER
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN says his lockdown ‘bandit’ moustache is a tribute to stricken pal Willie Thorne.
The Rocket walked out for his Championship League matches in Milton Keynes sporting impressive whiskers.
Five-time world champion O’sullivan triggered an internet explosion with responses to his new look.
Comparisons were made to Queen’s Freddie Mercury, a Mexican drug lord and the Pringles logo.
But O’sullivan revealed that the person he most had in mind was former pro and commentator Thorne, who has leukaemia.
O’sullivan said: “I tried to grow a beard in lockdown, but it was a bit itchy. It’s for Willie. I wanted to look like him – just with a barnet. Hopefully he’ll be OK.”
FORMULA ONE