Frampton: Boxing could take years to recover from virus mayhem | Inquirer Sports

Frampton: Boxing could take years to recover from virus mayhem

/ 07:58 AM April 12, 2020

Carl Frampton

Carl Frampton waits for the start of his WBA featherweight title fight against Leo Santa Cruz at MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 28, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steve Marcus/Getty Images/AFP

Former world champion Carl Frampton fears boxing could take “months or possibly years” to recover from the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Frampton believes once boxing returns sports fans will be cautious about spending money due to the financial impact of the pandemic.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Northern Irish fighter also expects people to be slow to return to stadiums in case there is still a risk of catching the virus.

FEATURED STORIES

Frampton, a former super-bantamweight and featherweight world champion, is also concerned fellow boxers in the lower levels will be forced out if prize money drops.

“It might take a long time to recover. I’m talking months and possibly years away from getting it back to what it once was,” Frampton told BBC Radio Five Live on Saturday.

Article continues after this advertisement

“In my position most of the money and the purse I received comes from TV, but there are guys fighting on non-televised shows that need bums on seats and need to sell tickets to make a living.

Article continues after this advertisement

“If people are apprehensive about large gatherings and these guys aren’t going to be able to sell their tickets, or if people can’t afford to buy them because they’ve lost their job or for other reasons.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I think it’s going to change a lot once we come out the other side of this.”

Frampton, 33, echoed a suggestion from Tyson Fury’s promoter Bob Arum about the likely need to reduce the cost of tickets to encourage fight fans to return.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I’m glad that a promoter has said that. The UK ticket prices are astronomical compared to America. It’s definitely something that needs to be thought about,” Frampton said.

“If you suddenly put a fight on once this is all over how are people going to afford it if the pricing isn’t reasonable?”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Frampton was preparing for a planned world title bout against WBO super-featherweight champion Jamel Herring slated for mid-June, but there is no new date for the clash.

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.

TAGS: Boxing, Carl Frampton, coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic, Sports

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.