Smith vs Vlasov: Maxim Vlasov positive for COVID, fight postponed, Commey-Marinez now main event

As has just been announced by Top Rank promotions, this Saturday’s vacant WBO light heavyweight title fight between Joe Smith Jr and Maxim Vlasov has officially been postponed as Vlasov tests positive for COVID.

The main event might be off now, but the show must go one as lightweight Richard Commey will now headline the show against Jackson Marinez with featherweights Adam Lopez and Jason Sanchez serving as the co-main. A heavyweight bout between Jared Anderson and Kingsley Ibeh will open the main card starting at 10pm ET.

Speaking on the postponement, Vlasov said, “I am devastated with the postponement of my world title fight against Joe Smith Jr. I have been following strict protocols, I have done regular testing with negative results, and I have no symptoms. I am well prepared and had an excellent training camp. I look forward to the rescheduling of the fight and the opportunity to display my world class skills.”

Disappointing news, to say the least, as there appeared to surefire fireworks this weekend as Smith is almost never in a bad fight, and this one against Vlasov certainly wasn’t shaping up to be one. So for now that fight get delayed and it’s too early to know exactly when the bout will be rescheduled for.

In the meanwhile Commey, 33, will be looking to push himself back into title contention with a win here while Jackson Marinez will certainly be looking to do the same. The last time we saw Marinez it appeared that he deserved a win over Rolando Romero last summer, but he seemed to get shafted on the scorecards in favor of the house fight. Here he’ll get another shot.

Editor’s Note: This also changes our live coverage schedule for this weekend. Further details on that here. — Scott