THE Games and Amusements Board (GAB) is hoping that professional boxing and other contact sports will be next in line as far as getting the go-signal from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to at least resume training is concerned.
GAB chairman Baham Mitra said they are now in the process of coming up with protocols that would allow pro boxers to train and even fight amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mitra is looking at PCR testing among fighters and closed-door bouts as general health protocols for the resumption of professional boxing.
“Sana ang mga isports gaya ng boxing and other contact sports ay umani din ng katulad na pagpayag sa IATF,” said Mitra, referring to the recent decision of the agency to allow practices in professional basketball and football.
The IATF has given the go-signal to PBA and Philippines Football League teams to practice in preparation for the restart of their respective seasons, but with strict health protocols to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Among the protocols is having five players in practice in areas under general community quarantine, and 10 in areas under the modified general community quarantine.
Mitra hopes professional boxing will be next to be allowed amidst several fights now being held around the world.
Recently, Filipino boxer Mike Plania beat Joshua Greer in the Top Rank event called ‘The Bubble’ at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas which was also televised on ESPN.
“Sa kasalukuyan ay may mga inaayos pa na protocols sa pagsasagawa nito gaya ng PCR testing at ng zero audience pansamantala kung kinakailangan upang makaiwas sa pagkalat ng COVID-19, basta makita lang natin na umuusad at muling nabubuhay ang kalagayan ng propesyunal na laro sa ating bansa,” said Mitra.
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