By Jan Carlo Anolin
The ONE Championship: Infinity 2 event in Manila on May 29 will push through behind closed doors for safety purposes due the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Brandon Vera is set to defend his heavyweight title against former Olympic wrester Arjan Bhullar in a closed-door Infinity 2 event at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. (ONE Championship photo, file)
In a Facebook post, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced Thursday night that “all events with live audiences will now be suspended until at least May 29, 2020 due to the extraordinary COVID-19 global situation.”
“Bar none, the safety of our fans, athletes, staff, partners, and the public is the highest priority for ONE Championship,” Sityodtong wrote.
The COVID-19 threat prompted the promotion to resort to broadcast-only and closed-door events with additional dates to follow.
Filipino-American Brandon Vera is set to defend his heavyweight title against former Olympic wrestler Arjan Bhullar at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We are operating in truly extraordinary times, but my team and I remain committed to providing you the best sports and entertainment action available anywhere on global broadcast today.
ONE Championship will continue to thrill you with the greatest martial artists on the planet and inspire you with their incredible stories. This virus might be on the attack right now, but I believe in the power of the human spirit,” Sityodtong added.
The remaining initial dates that are likely to be affected are March 20 in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, April 10 in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 17 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the Manila event.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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