Boxer Anthony Yarde’s father dies from COVID-19 virus

28-year-old British light heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde released a statement on his Instagram page that his father has died from COVID-19.

Yarde is now urging everyone to take the virus seriously and stay home.

“I’m a very private person and to be honest I’m still in shock, but maybe this can help people stay home,” Yarde wrote. “My dad passed away from this virus yesterday and he was fit with no health issues. The more people go out and mingle, the longer this isolation will last, and the more it will spread.

“I’m not a doctor, but I do know if you stay home you are less likely to catch it or pass it on. It’s seriously not worth the risk.”

Yarde’s promoter Frank Warren also sent out a release with condolences, and hopes that fans will listen to the fighter.

“Coronavirus is an issue affecting all of us, but that doesn’t make the individual casualties any less tragic. We hope that his fans listen to Anthony’s heartfelt plea for people to take the government’s advice seriously, so we can try and minimize the suffering of others,” the release said.