Former boxing star Miguel Cotto, a world champion in four divisions, has submitted a proposal through his promotions company with suggested protocols to resume professional events in his native Puerto Rico as early as August.
Among the points established in the document are staging cards behind closed doors and testing boxers for the coronavirus twice before they step into the ring. Bouts at San Juan’s Nilmarie Santini complex would be televised using camera crews wearing protective equipment, including face masks.
Miguel Cotto Promotions partnered with H2 Entertainment in putting together the proposal, which is awaiting a response from Puerto Rico’s Department of Sports and Recreation. Among the fighters represented by Cotto are former light flyweight world champion Angel Acosta and super featherweight Alberto Machado.
Full coronavirus tests would be administered to boxers when contracts are signed and again five days before an event.
Other recommendations include: cards would be limited to 28 rounds and five fights; all the stadium and promotions company employees that are part of the card would have periodic temperature checks; referees would wear protective equipment; and boxers’ crews would be limited to a trainer and a cut specialist also wearing protective equipment.
Meanwhile, judges would be situated about 6 feet from the ring and behind a plastic divider. Ring officials, including medical staff, would be approximately 12 feet away while keeping a distance of 6 feet between them. Paramedics would be about 13 feet away from the ring in case of an emergency.
Puerto Rico is under a nearly two-month coronavirus lockdown and the authorities announced a plan to ease the restrictions later this month. Cotto and his team hope to earn the government’s support with the proposal so boxers there may continue to earn a living.