Two upcoming boxing events scheduled for the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Top Rank, the promoter of the two bouts, made the announcement late Thursday.
Newark native Shakur Stevenson (13-0, 7 KOs) was to defend his WBO featherweight title against Miguel Marriaga (29-3, 25 KOs) of Colombia on Saturday, while Michael Conlan (13-0, 7 KOs) of Ireland was set to face Belmar Preciado (20-2, 13 KOs) of Columbia in Conlan’s annual St. Patrick’s Day appearance on Tuesday.
The postponement came after Top Rank had announced during a press conference earlier in the day that it would go through with the bouts without spectators and media present.
“After close consultation with the New York State Athletic Commission it has been determined that Saturday’s and Tuesday’s events cannot proceed in light of the ongoing Coronavirus crisis,” said a statement from Top Rank. “Top Rank will work with the Commission to reschedule the events as soon as it is safe for all involved.
“The health and safety of the fighters and their team, and everyone involved in the promotion of these events, necessitated taking this step.”
Had the boxing matches continued, it would have been one of the few sporting events still operating in the midst of the pandemic. The Stevenson fight was to be televised live on ESPN, while Conlan’s bout was scheduled to be shown on ESPN+.
Stevenson and Conlan were expected to draw large crowds. Stevenson is a local product, while Conlan was to be fighting at the Garden Theater on St. Patrick’s Day for the fourth time. Both are former Olympians. Full refunds for tickets purchased for Saturday and Tuesday will be available at the point of purchase.
Conlan was ready to fight in an empty arena if necessary.
“I’m ready to rock,” he said earlier Thursday. “It really doesn’t matter who is there and who’s not there. I’m a fighter and I’m ready to fight. I have to adapt to a new scenery and focus on what will be a dominant performance.”
Top Rank said it is consulting with its venue partners and will make a determination on the status of future events.
“We thank everyone for their understanding,” the Top Rank statement read, “and we will with our broadcast/venue partners and state and local officials decide when the time is right to return.”