WBC super-featherweight champion Miguel Berchelt is the latest high profile fighter to contract Covid-19 with his eagerly-awaited December 12 defence against Mexican rival Oscar Valdez now unlikely to take place this year.
The heavy-handed Berchelt (38-1, 34 KOs) had been looking to make the seventh defence of his WBC crown, having demolished five of his previous challengers inside the distance.
On Tuesday, Russian warhorse Alexander Povetkin tested positive for the Coronavirus scotching his heavyweight rematch with Dillian Whyte whilst Edinburgh’s Lee McGregor also contracted Covid-19, halting his European 118lbs title challenge against Karim Guerfi next week. Now add Berchelt’s name to that unwanted list.
‘The Scorpion’ was training in Hermosillo, Mexico, alongside coach Alfredo Caballero but is now under quarantine. WBC No.1 contender Valdez (28-0, 22 KOs) had been preparing with Eddy Reynoso, trainer of Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, Luis Nery and Andy Ruiz, in San Diego, California.
In these troubling times, no boxing match feels guaranteed until both fighters finally enter the ring.
Main image: Zanfer Promotions/Top Rank.