Hosea Burton on Golden Contract postponement: ‘The main thing is staying healthy’

Light heavyweight Hosea Burton is one of the four remaining fighters in his MTK Golden Contract tournament field, an event that was supposed to continue on Friday at London’s legendary York Hall, but has like all things been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the world.

The 31-year-old Burton (25-1, 11 KO) is a former British champion at light heavyweight, and is considered perhaps the favorite in the tournament, which started on Dec. 14. Burton beat veteran Bob Ajisafe via wide decision that evening to advance to the semifinal round.

And while Burton is feeling the sting of losing a fight and a payday, he knows the situation is bigger than the sport.

“Boxers only get paid when they fight, so it is what it is, but we can’t do anything,” he said. “This is a worldwide situation. You can’t feel sorry for me or any of the other boxers, you’ve got to feel sorry for the rest of the world as well.”

He’s hoping to resume his training as soon as possible.

“I’ll have a week or two rest and then get back in the gym. I am a gym rat, I’m always fit and ready for that call,” Burton said. “I only need that week or two weeks’ notice to say you’re fighting. I’ll stay fit, but the main thing is staying healthy, I’d rather be poor and alive than rich and dead.”