Eddie Hearn confirmed that the Dec. 12 fight for the WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles between champion Anthony Joshua and mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev could yet still have a small crowd in attendance, depending on London's COVID-19 pandemic listing in December.
Following the lockdown that lasted from March until the summer in the U.K., the government returned to strict rules for four weeks in order to combat rising numbers in positive tests.
This week it was confirmed that there will be no extention to this, and Britain will return to a three-tiered system from Dec. 2.
It will be revealed on Thursday which areas are designated as "Tier 3", meaning severe restrictions will remain, and which will be "Tier 2" or "Tier 1".
For the Joshua-Pulev fight to be able to sell up to one thousand tickets, London would need to be "Tier 2" or lower on Thursday.
Speaking to a gathering of global media via Zoom ahead of the weekend's Daniel Jacobs vs. Gabriel Rosado card, Hearn said of being able to sell tickets: "Certainly, if it’s possible.
"The big catch is the tier system. What will be what tier? Where? How? London could be put straight in tier 3 which is no crowds. But if we’re put into tier 2, we can have up to 1,000 fans in there.
"If we’re allowed to, if Brent Council allow us, we’ll certainly get that 1,000 into Dec. 12 for Joshua vs. Pulev."
The Matchroom chief went on to admit that live boxing may not return to any sort of normality until a vaccine is finally widespread, which could happen at some stage in 2021.
He said: "It’s very challenging. We are gonna be at the Alamodome with a small crowd for Canelo and Callum Smith. We are gonna try and get crowds for Gennadiy Golovkin. We’ve got a format in place that means elite boxing can continue.
"Ultimately it’s going to be a vaccine, I guess, when the government gets into a strong enough position to feel comfortable allowing fans back into shows at full capacity.
"We do know that it is dangerous right now to contract this disease, and we have to do what we can to bring them back but bring them back safely. It’s not just us wanting fans back. We’re working diligently with everyone to make sure it’s safe.
"It’s quite remarkable that during a pandemic that we’re running a show every week. The shows are stronger than ever and I think the run-in is the strongest end to a year in many many years."
Hearn also gave his thoughts on the weekend's exhibition bout between legends Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr.
"I think it’s hard to criticise people like Tyson and Jones as they’ve done so much for the sport," said Hearn. "But I like to remember these guys when they were young and at their best.
"I hope it’s not a sad spectacle. I hope they have a bit of fun with it, and I wish them the best."