PRECAUTIONS against the new Omicron strain of the coronavirus have forced the postponement of two major fights that were set to take place in Japan this month.
Gennady Golovkin was due to box Ryotoa Murata, in what had the potential to be a thrilling middleweight clash at the Saitama Super Arena on December 29. They are now looking into rescheduling the fight.
“I am deeply disappointed that this fight has been postponed but the health and safety of the public must always be the priority,” Golovkin said. “I look forward to returning to the ring against Ryōta as soon as possible.”
Jerwin Ancajas was to fight Kazuto Ioka on December 31 at Tokyo’s Ota-City General Gymnasium but that too has been postponed.
“Team Ancajas was looking forward to this historic fight against Ioka but understands there are bigger concerns than boxing in Japan and the world with the situation caused by the emergence of the latest variant,” said Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions. “We remain committed to making this fight happen as soon as possible in Japan.”