The coronavirus has once again rocked the boxing world and is forcing changes to yet another main event on short notice.
It was revealed on Wednesday night that Stephen Fulton would not be able to compete for the vacant WBO junior featherweight title fight against Angelo Leo after he and two members of his team tested positive for COVID-19. Tramaine Williams will step in on short notice to face Leo in Saturday's headliner at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. Fulton (18-0, 8 KOs) was gutted to find out he wouldn't be able to compete for the opportunity to win his first world title and took to Twitter to show his disappointment.
"Extensive protocols have been put in place to catch this very possibility, and they've proven so far to be effective," said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. "We are supporting Stephen and his team as they self-quarantine off property, and we will help with any medical assistance if needed.
"Fortunately, Williams was ready to move into the spot in the main event, which remains a battle of unbeaten young super bantamweights."
Williams (19-0, 6 KOs, 1 NC) had been set to square off in the co-main event against Raeese Aleem (16-0, 10 KOs). The 27-year-old fights for the first time in 2020 after stepping inside the ring four times in 2019. He last competed in July 2019, defeating Yenifel Vicente by unanimous decision. Aleem now meets Marcus Bates (11-1-1, 8 KOs) in the co-feature. The three-fight main card will kick off with a rematch between Joseph George (10-0, 6 KOs) and Marcos Escudero (10-1, 9 KOs). George won a narrow split decision back in November.