Why should I worry? Let’s be honest, my job is to get punched in the face
Dundee boxer Paul Kean will put any worries over contracting the coronavirus to one side to pursue his dream of becoming European champion.
The super-welterweight will become one of the first fighters to return to the sport when he takes on Hamzah Sheeraz on the undercard of the British heavyweight clash between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce on July 11.
It will be a fight night like no other, with the boxing authorities laying down a number of guidelines to help combat the spread of the virus.
That means no fans in the arena, protective masks for anyone ringside, everyone tested in the build-up to the fight then quarantined, and no spitting where possible – although the traditional bucket will still be allowed in the corner between each round, as long as it’s later sterilised.
It is a huge undertaking just to bring back boxing for a television audience, and one that puts those involved at a greater health risk.
But Kean reckons it’s no more of a threat than being punched repeatedly in the face.
The Kynoch Boxing fighter said: “I don’t really feel worried about getting the virus in that situation. Not if they take all the precautions they’ve been talking about.
“Let’s face it, my job is to go into the ring and get punched in the face. So once you learn to accept that, then you can deal with anything else.
“You can’t really worry about your health too much.
“It’s a huge fight for me at this point in my career, I’m putting everything into it. With a European title to your name, you’ll be on bigger cards and TV shows more often, so I really need to do all I can to get that belt.”
Kean understands why everyone has to jump through so many hoops just to get boxing on again. But he thinks asking fighters not to spit might be a step too far.
He joked: “They say they don’t want us to spit – but you’re going to be slavering all over the guy anyway!
“You’re basically cuddling each other at different points of a fight.
“But I think the plan will be for me to go down there a week before to get tested, and then you’re in quarantine leading up to the fight.
“Whatever the measures are, I’m happy to go along with it just so I can get it on. I just hope I don’t do a 12-week training camp then get a positive test the week before – that would be a nightmare.
“Hopefully it won’t come to that. I’m just delighted to have the chance to be back fighting again.”