U.K. officials extend suspension of cards through end of April

Uncertainty about boxing’s return only heightened Monday with an extended suspension of cards in the U.K. though the end of April.

The British Boxing Board of Control announced the extension within a week after it imposed a suspension through the end of March because of coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

“Following further Government and Medical Authorities advice, the British Boxing Board of Control has decided that the suspension of Boxing Tournaments under the BBBofC jurisdiction remains in place until the end of April when further consideration will be given,” the ruling body said in a statement. “We will continue to follow the Government and the Medical Authorities advice and keep the situation under review.’’

An intriguing heavyweight fight between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce had been scheduled for April 11 at O2 Arena in London. Promoter Frank Warren has rescheduled it for July 11, also at O2.

There’s still no new date for junior welterweight Josh Taylor’s mandatory title defense against Apinun Khongsong. It had been scheduled for May 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Other key bouts in the U.K. are still on the May schedule, including two heavyweight bouts — Dillian Whyte vs. Alexander Povetkin on May 2 in Manchester and Oleksandr Usyk vs. Derek Chisora on May 23 at O2 Arena.