Ryan Garcia won’t fight again this year after all.
The top boxing prospect’s Dec. 5 bout with Luke Campbell was postponed Tuesday due to Campbell’s positive test for COVID-19, Golden Boy Promotions announced. The press release stated that a new date will be announced “shortly.” The original bout was scheduled for Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.
Campbell promoter Eddie Hearn tweeted that Campbell has completed his quarantine and will resume training shortly, but he won’t be in shape for Dec. 5. Hearn wrote that the expectation will only be a “very short delay to this great fight.”
Campbell posted on social media, saying he was “feeling well” and looking forward to confirming a new fight.
Disappointed that my fight is being delayed but these are sadly the times we live in. I’m feeling well and look forward to confirming a new fight date very soon. Stay safe all. @MatchroomBoxing @GoldenBoyBoxing @DAZNBoxing @SkySportsBoxing
— Luke Campbell MBE (@luke11campbell) November 10, 2020
The bout is set to be a huge test for Garcia, who has become a viral social-media sensation. ESPN has Campbell ranked No. 5 in the world at lightweight.
Garcia (20-0) is coming off a first-round knockout of Francisco Fonseca in February to win the WBC interim lightweight title. The California native has 17 career knockouts. Garcia, 22, is training with Eddy Reynoso, the trainer for Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Campbell (20-3) fell to standout Vasyl Lomachenko in his last bout in August 2019. Prior to that, the 33-year-old England native was on a three-fight winning streak.