Mikaela Mayer will not be fighting in the co-feature of Top Rank boxing’s card in Las Vegas, Nevada on Tuesday night after she tested positive for coronavirus, according to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein.
Mayer, 29, officially announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19 in a post on her official Instagram page on Sunday, which automatically pulled her from the card where she was set to fight Helen Joseph.
“I am heartbroken to report that I will no longer be fighting on Tuesday’s Top Rank card due to a positive result in my COVID-19 test yesterday” Mayer wrote in the post..
“It came as a complete surprise. I am currently asymptomatic and am quarantining at an off-site location per recommended guidelines.
The rest of my team tested negative and they are all in good health. I was really looking forward to bringing back boxing for all of you and I’m disappointed for myself, my team, my supporters and for my opponent, Helen Joseph, who worked just as hard to be here this week and put on a show for everyone.
After two hard back-to-back camps, not being able to step in to the ring both times, you can imagine how disappointed I am. However, these protocols were put into place for a reason and it’s more important to care about the health and well being of my team and the people at this event. So I am complying with the rules set forth by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Top Rank to keep everyone safe.”
Mayer eluded to the possibility that the result could be a false positive, but Top Rank protocols for Tuesday’s event do not allow for retesting, and if a positive test pops up at any point during the prefight process that fighter is immediately taken off the card.
Despite the announcement, Mayer vowed to be back in the ring soon.
“I will just have to take a quick break but I will be in the ring soon. I appreciate all the love and support. Please tune in to ESPN on Tuesday night and support the card and all of the fighters. Boxing is back and I’ll be back.”
