Hobson calls for more work on proposals for boxing’s return to ring

He said: “The British Board of Control have recently mooted the idea of boxing shows going ahead with restrictions like referees and trainers having to wear face masks, no spit buckets, no crowds and shows taking place behind closed doors.

“I think there’s a will there from the Board, and it’s a step in the right direction, but with regards to the practicality, there are flaws in the proposals.

“For example, it would be very expensive, and then if someone tested positive near to the show, the whole thing will be called off.

“I just believe it all needs more of a rethink. I think the Board will probably need to relax their criteria a bit, if it’s ever going to become a reality.

“At the moment, they’re asking for belts-and-braces. They’ll be asking the boxers to fight in masks soon. We’ll not know who’s fighting who!”

Hobson added: “So, there’s a bit more work to be done on the idea. And without a crowd, the only way it could ever be feasible is if a TV platform paid for it.

“Small hall shows couldn’t go ahead; it just wouldn’t be financially possible behind closed doors.

“Many promoters, and even some of the TV promoters like Eddie Hearn, will have fighters on ticket deals – obviously not the big top of the bills – but others. That’s why Dave Allen gets on the big shows because he’s a ticket seller, as well as being a real character.

“So, the small hall promoter could never make this work, it would be far too expensive.

“All the Board are really doing is trying to look after the bigger promoter.

“I think we’ll have to wait until things are much more back to normal before we see any smaller shows.

“Some promoters might take a risk on putting one on with social distancing, if there’s a large enough venue so people can be sat further away from each other, but we won’t see the norm for a while.”