Coronavirus forces Top Rank to postpone Jose Ramirez’s title defense – again. What is next?
For a second time, WBC/WBO super lightweight world champion Jose Ramirez’s title defense against Viktor Postol is postponed because of the coronavirus, Top Rank said Tuesday.
The fight was slated for May 9 at the Save Mart Center.
“Our nation’s safety must come first,” Ramirez said. “We will all get through this.”
Ramirez was set to defend his titles against Postol on Feb. 1 at a golf resort in the port city of Haikou, China, but that date was called off because of the coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, Chiina.
The title fight was moved to Fresno before the postponement on Tuesday.
“I feel terribly for Jose and Viktor, who have entered two training camps,, only to see the fight postponed both times,” Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said. “They are consummate professionals, and they will give the great Fresno fans a memorable fight whenever it occurs.
“We owe it to Jose and Viktor to make this fight happen as soon as it’s safe to do so.”
Tickets already purchased for the Fresno fight will be honored on the rescheduled date.
