Philadelphia’s Stephen Fulton is out of Saturday’s vacant WBO super-bantamweight title fight with Angelo Leo after testing positive for Covid-19.
Now Tramaine Williams, who was scheduled to meet Ra’eese Aleem on the undercard, steps in to face Leo for the title at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut.
Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) never entered the ‘Bubble’ at the Mohegan Sun. Upon arrival to the property, all fighters were tested and quarantined until their individual test results came back. Fulton’s was the only positive test result.
“Extensive protocols have been put in place to catch this very possibility and they’ve proven so far to be effective,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “We are supporting Stephen and his team as they self-quarantine off property and we will help with any medical assistance if needed.
“Fortunately, Williams was ready to move into the spot in the main event, which remains a battle of unbeaten young super-bantamweights. In addition, Marcus Bates was in excellent shape and answered the call to face Aleem in a [WBA] title eliminator. He is an aggressive super bantamweight who will make the most of this opportunity. I expect him to be on everyone’s radar after Saturday night.”
The 26-year-old Leo (19-0, 9 KOs) fights out of the Mayweather Promotions stable and will look to become the first world champion from Albuquerque, New Mexico since the great Johnny Tapia.
Williams (19-0, 6 KOs) hails from New Haven, Connecticut, and earned a high WBO ranking by beating Yenifel Vicente in July 2019.
Leo-Williams will be broadcast on Showtime in the US (9pm ET/6pm PT) on Saturday (August 1).
Main image: Showtime.