The Olympic boxing qualifying tournament currently being held at London’s Copper Box Arena is to become a behind-closed-doors event from Monday due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Boxing Road to Tokyo event, which began on Saturday, welcomed fans over the weekend, but officials made the decision to ban spectators with immediate effect late on Sunday night, a little over 14 hours before the next session was due to start.
Ticketholders will receive face-value refunds, though they will not be reimbursed for booking fees or other expenses.
Roughly 350 male and female fighters from around 40 countries are taking part in the tournament which runs until March 24 in the hope of qualifying for the Tokyo Games, though they are themselves in doubt.
A statement from the organisers said: “Due to the changing situation with Coronavirus and concerns for public, athlete and volunteer welfare the IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) has taken the decision that from Monday 16 March 2020 the Boxing Road to Tokyo Olympic qualifying event at the Copper Box Arena on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will take place behind closed doors.
“This unfortunately means that no spectators will be permitted to attend the event. The decision comes into force with immediate effect and covers both the 12:00 and 18:00 sessions that are due to take place on Monday 16 March 2020 and all other sessions up until the end of the tournament.
“The Local Organising Committee of the Boxing Road to Tokyo event understands the reasons for the decision and apologises to ticket holders for any inconvenience this may cause.”
