June 19 is set to be one of the busiest days on the boxing calendar. Champions like Naoya Inoue, Mikaela Mayer, Ibeth Zamora and Jermall Charlo are set to defend their titles. Meanwhile, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will share the ring with former UFC Champion Anderson Silva. Rounding out the slate of boxing matches, Teofimo Lopez was set to defend his 135-pound belt against George Kambosos in Florida. Unfortunately, that bout will no longer take place this weekend.
The world of boxing was shaken up a bit as lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Lopez will be forced to quarantine and he will not be able to share the ring with George Kambosos this weekend.
“I am devastated to disappoint so many people. I know the sacrifices we have all made to get here. I believe I am doing the right thing. I don’t want to infect anybody. Sport has power. I choose to use my power to be a good example,” Lopez tweeted after he tested positive for COVID-19.
“The most powerful thing I can do is protect those I love – and I love the sport of boxing and all of the athletes, fans, trainers, my sponsors and promoters.”
Lopez will use the next few weeks to recover and hopefully, return to the ring in the near future. At this time, his title defense is tentatively scheduled to take place on August 14.
