ONE Championship: Events to push through behind closed doors amid COVID-19 pandemic

By Jan Carlo Anolin

ONE Championship events slated until May 29 will push through behind closed doors and as audience-free show amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a statement Wednesday, the promotion said “all scheduled events with live audiences for ONE Championship will be suspended until at least May 29, 2020 due to the extraordinary COVID-19 global situation.”

May 29 was the initial schedule of the “Infinity 2” in Manila with Filipino-American Brandon Vera, current World Heavyweight Champion, headlining the main event against former Olympic wrestler Arjan Bhullar.

Organizers, however, clarified Saturday the May 29 bout at the Mall of Asia, now “Infinity 1,” had been given a go-signal with new fights lined up that are yet to be announced.

The Manila fight is also “subject to change if the coronavirus situation deteriorates” and the promotion has yet to decide if the matches are to be held behind closed-doors.

“Bar none, the safety of our fans, athletes, staff, partners, and the public is the highest priority for ONE Championship,” ONE CEO and chairman Chatri Sityodtong said.

Closed-door events initially scheduled on April 17, April 24, May 1 and May 8 will kick off in Singapore with global broadcast coverage through respective media partners.

“We are operating in truly extraordinary times, but my team and I remain committed to providing the best sports and entertainment action available anywhere on global broadcast today.

“For the millions of fans at home around the world, the show will go on from the comfort and safety of your living room. ONE Championship will continue to thrill you with the greatest martial artists on the planet and inspire you with their incredible stories,” Sityodtong added.

The Department of Health (DOH) tallied a total number of 98 COVID-19 cases, with eight fatalities, in the Philippines as of this writing. (Jan Carlo Anolin) ###

(NOTE: This is an updated version of the article initially titled “ONE Championship: ‘Infinity 2’ event in Manila to be held behind closed doors.” The May 29 Manila bout will still push through under the event name “Infinity 1” as part of ONE Championship’s “Infinity Series.” As per organizers, the promotion has yet to decide if the event will be held behind closed-doors.)

Source: Manila Bulletin