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Spare a thought for sparring BOXING

BOXING is slowly returning but sparring is still off limits for fighters.

The British Boxing Board of Control has issued guidance to its licence holders about returning to training in gyms during the coronavirus pandemic.

But general secretary Robert Smith is still awaiting guidance from the Government and sports minister Nigel Huddleston on when sparring can recommence.

The Premier League was given the green light to return to contact training this week after the Government published ‘Phase Two’ plans for elite athletes.

But boxing has been left in the dark, with a feeling the advice has all been geared towards team sports.

“We are not recommending sparring can continue,” said Smith.

“It will be a challenge returning to training. Reading the guidance, it is very geared towards football and team sports.

“We are talking about sparring and we are still being told there shouldn’t be contact within two metres. We are not allowed to have a haircut – yet to say we can spar? Something doesn’t seem right.

“Would I say I’m disappointed? I would say frustrated. I wrote to the sports minister recently regarding training and sparring. Unfortunately, I haven’t had anything back.

“I know he’s a busy man but the document doesn’t really help anyone who deals with contact sports.”

Fighters being allowed to spar will be key to when the sport can return as no boxer would be advised by a trainer to go into a bout without at least four weeks of contact work in a gym.

The board will allow pad work to commence next week but the advice will be that the trainer should wear a mask and visor for the session.

Smith believes the proposed dates by major promoters, such as Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, of late July is feasible for the sport to come back.

Hearn is planning to return with boxing in the back garden of the family mansion in Brentwood in late July with Terri Harper against Natasha Jonas for the women’s WBC super-featherweight title.

But private testing needs to be funded by the promoters, meaning only those with TV backing will be able to afford to stage shows.

The BBBOFC is also facing its own financial challenges, with no income since the sport shut down in March.

It is also aware there will be a strain on resources to ensure bouts take place in sterile venues and all procedures are met.

Smith has contacted the five promoters who have shown interest in returning to advise them against running shows on the same nights.

“There will be a clash at some point but I would like that we get up and running, then we can roll out,” he added.