BY NICK GIONGCO
The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) will require mandatory COVID-19 tests for all participants — boxers, trainers, managers, promoters and other support staff — when everything gets back to normal.
“We have interim measures in place waiting for approval from the Department of Health and Department of Local Government,” said GAB chairman Baham Mitra.
The GAB has likewise a copy of its new set of guidelines to the World Boxing Council for comparison, said Mitra.
However, from where to get funds to cover the tests is being studied by the GAB, which is also requiring similar test from foreign fighters who have been contracted to fight in the country.
“Regarding foreign fighters, we propose to require medical certificate and actual COVID test before the fight,” said Mitra.
The GAB regulates boxing and mix martial arts, cockfighting, golf and horseracing and handles the licenses of basketball players as well.
Social distancing and the practice of proper handwashing have become the new normal as the world struggles to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
Not just boxing but practically all sporting events in the world have been either postponed or cancelled following the rapid spread of the virus.
