Eddie Hearn has announced plans to restart his American boxing dream in Tulsa as a COVID-19 spike in the state gathers pace.
Trump’s decision to hold a rally there, in which over 6,000 people gathered without social distancing, was widely panned in the media.
It’s since been predicted that Tulsa County will be at the wrong end of a coronavirus outbreak in the coming weeks. That peak has already begun with record cases.
Only last Thursday did Tulsa record the highest number of cases in 24 hours during the pandemic. This is without taking the rally into account.
Covid 19
The Trump administration’s predictions of around 20,000 descending on Tulsa luckily did not come to pass. But that many bodies in one place, not wearing masks and told they don’t have to be six feet apart, could have a significant effect in the coming weeks.
Last week’s benchmark has since been surpassed. With 585 new cases being confirmed today, representing the most significant surge to date.
The 7-day average is a significant cause for concern.
If this trend continues, Hearn may have to have a rethink after possibly choosing one of the worst states to return in.
As soon as Hearn said ‘Tulsa,’ eyebrows raised due to the Trump farce and subsequent predictions of a spike to come throughout July.
There are even fears of another lockdown. That’s how bad it could get.
Hearn and Matchroom Boxing USA are planning a ‘unique outdoor event’ that should help keep their own potential cases to a minimum. However, the recent rise in cases is not looking good for the rest of the area.
Tulsa
A Matchroom statement on the upcoming card, topped by two world champions, included the following information with quotes from Hearn.
“The announcement of Eddie Hearn’s return to boxing in the States comes hot on the heels of the promoter releasing details of four stacked and ultra-competitive fight cards in Britain.
They happen over four weeks in the unique setting of the grounds of the company’s Essex headquarters.
“Eddie Hearn is following that bold move with more ambitious plans for his American return. The elite-level bill is set to have a unique setting in Tulsa unveiled soon.
“We are ready to return to the States, and just like Fight Camp in the UK, we plan to do things differently,” said Hearn.
Eddie Hearn
“We are heading outdoors in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We’re planning something unique and special for this double World championship header that should thrill in the ring.
“Julio Cesar Martinez is a beast. One of the most exciting World champions in boxing. It’s Mexico v Puerto Rio as he faces mandatory challenger McWilliams Arroyo in a guaranteed thriller.
“In the co-main event, we stage the Undisputed Welterweight championship between Cecilia Braekhus and Jessica McCaskill. It promises to be an electric pace between two great champions.
“Beneath them, ‘Wonder Boy’ Shakhram Giyasov steps up the gears as he homes in on a 140lbs World title shot. US amateur sensation Marc Castro makes his professional debut.
“Rising US stars Nikita Ababiy and Raymond Ford steps up the opposition as they continue their rise to the top.”
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