Michael Conlan and Shakur Stevenson will fight in front of empty arenas over the next week as a result of the current coronavirus pandemic.
WBO featherweight champion Stevenson is making the first defence of his world title against Miguel Marriaga, while Conlan is set to face Belmar Preciado in his annual St Patrick’s Day fight.
Stevenson’s fight is scheduled for Saturday night at the MSG Theater in New York, with Conlan’s bout taking place at the same venue two days later.
Both men were expected to draw solid crowds for their fights – especially Conlan who garners great Irish support in New York.
However, promoter Bob Arum has told The Athletic’s Lance Pugmire that the bouts will have to take place behind closed doors.
COVID-19 has infected more than 125,000 people worldwide, which includes almost 5,000 deaths.
In the UK, ten people have died as a result of the deadly disease with 590 people testing positive.
Conlan previously told talkSPORT.com he’s aiming for a world title fight in 2020.
He insisted: “100 per cent. I’ve been saying that.
“I’ve been saying it to Top Rank, I’ve been saying it to the team, we need to make it happen now. I want it to happen now.
“I know there’s big things lined up after this one. Can’t really say much, but there’s big things lined up after this one.
“Well get Belmar Preciado out of the way, take care of him on March 17 and then something big.”
