Japan extends boxing suspension, postpones Rookie of the Year tournaments

Welp.

For a moment, it looked as though the boxing-starved masses might get the biffing they craved this upcoming Saturday when the East Japan Boxing Association (EJBA) revealed its intention to stream its behind-closed-doors Rookie of the Year tournament. Asian Boxing now reports that, after a meeting between the Japan Boxing Association (JBA) and Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), both it and its April 26th West Japan equivalent have been postponed.

In addition, the two bodies have pushed back their planned resumption date from May 2nd to May 15th; this could push back former minimumweight champion Katsunari Takayama’s planned comeback on May 10th.

Honestly, this is probably the correct decision. Fighters’ health and safety far, far outstrips our entertainment in terms of priorities. Hopefully everyone’s well-being stays intact so things can come back strong in the summer; in the meantime, take the chance to clean out your backlog of classic fights.