Boxing Title Fight Cancelled Due to Unexpected Illness
In a surprising turn of events, the much-anticipated junior bantamweight title fight between Willibaldo García and Kenshiro Teraji was called off at the last minute. The reason? García, who was set to defend his IBF title, fell ill just hours before the scheduled bout.
Details of the Cancellation
- Location: The fight was supposed to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the undercard for the Naoya Inoue and Alan Picasso undisputed junior featherweight match.
- García's Condition: The 36-year-old fighter had successfully made weight and even participated in the ceremonial weigh-in with Teraji earlier that day.
- Sudden Illness: García started feeling unwell, specifically with his stomach. His manager, Sean Gibbons, shared that everything was going smoothly until then.
"García had made weight without any issues and even completed the second day ceremony. However, his stomach suddenly started acting up, and he wasn't feeling his best."
- Medical Check: Gibbons mentioned that they had García's stomach checked, but it was clear that he wouldn't be able to fight. The exact cause of García's illness remains unknown.
Impact on Fans and Organizers
This unexpected development left fans and organizers disappointed, as they were eagerly awaiting the title clash.
Lessons Learned
Boxing is a sport where every fight is crucial, and this cancellation serves as a reminder that even the most well-planned events can be derailed by unforeseen circumstances. It's a lesson in adaptability and resilience, both for the fighters and the organizers.