Olympic boxing qualifier set to return to London in April behind closed doors

The Olympic boxing qualifier in London, which was axed at the start of the coronavirus outbreak, will return to the capital in April next year.

The original event back in March was suspended after three days of competition because of a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases.

But it is set to take place at the Copper Box at the Olympic Park from April 22-26 under strict safety protocols laid out by the Government and the International Olympic Committee’s boxing task force. The event is expected to be held behind closed doors.

The Olympic qualifier will resume where it left off based on the original draw. There are still 176 boxers in the competition bidding to win a place at the delayed Olympics.

Fights will take place over eight male categories and five for women with 50 qualification places up for grab in the men’s events and 27 in the women’s.

Announcing the event on Tuesday, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and it’s fantastic that our city will host Europe’s best boxers as they compete for a place at the Tokyo Games. I hope this is just the start of world-class sporting events returning to London.”

Thirteen British boxers were selected for the event with 12 still in the competition.

GB Boxing’s performance director Rob McCracken said: “It is very rare that our boxers get the compete in the UK and they were looking forward to the original event so it was a big disappointment when it was suspended before the majority of the team had the chance to box.

“The news that the event is returning to London is great for the team. After a period of uncertainty, it has given all of the boxers a goal to aim towards and we will be working hard to make sure they are in the best possible shape when the qualifier starts again next year.”

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