World title fight in China postponed due to coronavirus outbreak

Jose Ramirez has been denied the chance to defend his unified light-welterweight titles in China after officials postponed the fight due to the current outbreak of coronavirus.

The American fighter was set to protect his WBO and WBC belts on February 1st against Ukranian boxer Viktor Postol but will have to wait to get his chance.

The decision comes after the breakout of the virus which has spread across the country and shut down cities including Hainin, which is where the fight was due to be held.

The date and venue for the rescheduled bout is yet to be determined but whatever it may be it is far from satisfactory for both fighters.

Ramirez and Postol are experienced fighters and circumstances such as this are almost unheard of in boxing and sports in general.

Promoter and top rank chief Bob Arum is far from impressed at the decision as it could have critical consequences on his future commitments.

Arum is supposed to be at the Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury rematch in Las Vegas on February 22nd but is at risk of being placed in quarantine due to the outbreak of the virus.

Should this happen it would mean the promoter would miss the bout and could be an embarrassment for Top Rank.

Despite these risks, the 88-year-old has made it clear that the safety of the fighters is the main priority and to stop the fight taking place would be a sensible decision.

The postponement is not ideal for either Ramirez or Postol, but they can be glad of the greater publicity the fight will get.