Marc Castro will unfortunately have to wait a little longer to make his professional debut.
The 20-year-old's pro debut against Raul Corona Saturday night in Tulsa, Okla., has been scratched after Castro and his father-trainer, Tony, tested positive for COVID-19, as confirmed by Matchroom Boxing on Thursday.
“We are all extremely disappointed for Marc that his debut has been postponed following his positive test for COVID-19,” Matchroom’s chief medical officer Dr. Rod Ballelos said in a press release. “Marc and his father will now be under strict quarantine and plans are being made to ensure the safety of everyone still involved in the event, as well as to not expose the community and contribute to this already devastating pandemic."
He added: “While it is upsetting news for all concerned, I believe the strict protocols that we have put in place — ensuring a negative test prior to travel to Tulsa, quarantine upon arrival to the hotel, then tested once again — have proven to be effective. Furthermore, social distancing, religious use of masks, and the sanitary practices we have put in place have also proved that such basic practices do work in preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
Matchroom Boxing added that other tests for fighters, their camps and all staff involved in Saturday night's event came back negative and that the card headlined by Cecilia Brækhus vs. Jessica McCaskill will go ahead as planned.
Earlier in the week during a Zoom conference call, Castro spoke with DAZN News about making his pro debut amidst the global pandemic.
"Yes, it is bittersweet," Castro said Tuesday before testing positive about preparing to fight without fans in attendance due to the pandemic. "But it's kind of just a new era. You have to adapt because that's what fighters do."
The Fresno, Calif., native is a two-time amateur world champion and 17-time national champ, having compiled a 177-7 record as an amateur.