Jose Pedraza vs. Mikkel LesPierre bout canceled but card still on

Super lightweight contenders Jose Pedraza and Mikkel LesPierre were supposed to headline Top Rank’s June 18 card, but that bout is canceled after a manager tested positive for COVID-19.

Jose Pedraza (26-3, 13 KOs) vs. Mikkel LesPierre (22-1-1, 10 KOs) was the original main event of Top Rank on ESPN’s Thursday, June 18 fight card, but that fight was canceled. A new bout has been elevated to main event status.

Numerous boxing pundits tweeted the breaking news of the fight’s cancellation on the morning of fight day. Shortly after the news made the rounds, Top Rank sent a press release confirming that Pedraza vs. LesPierre was canceled.

Top Rank revealed that LesPierre’s manager, Jose Taveras, tested positive for COVID-19, despite being asymptomatic. Since LesPierre and his team have been in direct contact with Taveras, they are pulled from the card to limit the risk of spreading the disease.

Pedraza and LesPierre were both eager to fight. Pedraza was coming off a loss in 2019 to Jose Zepeda. LesPierre was looking for a second win in a row. Pedraza is a former two-time world champion. A win over Pedraza would have been significant for LesPierre’s career.

“My manager, Jose Taveras, tested positive for COVID-19,” said LesPierre in a Top Rank press release. “Due to the rules and regulations set forth by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, I will be unable to fight tonight as scheduled against Jose Pedraza.

“I am devastated. This was my opportunity to showcase my talent to the world, but everything happens for a reason. This is just another roadblock in my story.”

The Top Rank fight card will continue on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. It will air at 8 p.m. ET. Lightweight rising star Gabriel Flores Jr. (17-0, 6 KOs) now has the spotlight as he faces Josec Ruiz (21-2-3, 14 KOs). Flores sports an undefeated record and has world-title aspirations.

Despite the cancellation of Pedraza vs. LesPierre, ESPN will still air a total of five fights. Top Rank and ESPN have had several bouts canceled in June due to positive COVID-19 tests. Testing protocols are being taken seriously by all parties, including the Nevada State Athletic Commission.