Four-time world champion and Filipino boxing champ Nonito Donaire Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19 leading to his decision to withdraw from his December 19 fight.
Donaire was supposed to vie for the WBC bantamweight title against Emmanuel Rodriguez in Connecticut this Dec. 30.
Rodriguez was a substitute opponent for Donaire as the Puerto Rican replaced France’s Nordine Oubaali, also tested positive for the virus.
Rodriguez will now face another Filipino boxer Reymart Gaballo.
Donaire was hoping for a ring comeback after suffering a loss to Naoya Inoue in the finals of the World Boxing Super Series last year.
