By Tim Parsons-
World boxing champion Anthony Joshua is expected to take a coronavirus test after coming into contact with prince Charles who tested positive for the virus and shaking hands with prime minister Boris Johnson at Westminster Abbey 2 weeks ago.
Charles’s partner, Camilla Bowles tested negative for the virus, confirming that close association with one infected does necessarily mean catching the disease is inevitable.
Joshua, who is the current undisputed world heavyweight champion has not shown any symptoms of the virus but this doesn’t prove could not have contracted Covid 19. Whilst no official announcement has been made about the champion taking a test, reliable sources say arrangements are in process for the British Ace to take a test to ensure he does not have the killer virus.
Actor Idris Elba took a test which was positive after associating with someone who had contracted the virus.
A spokesman for Joshua said: “Anthony is at home following government guidelines set out by the Prime Minster to avoid going out, he is fit and well. However another source anonymously told The Eye Of Media.Com:
”Joshua is self isolating at the moment and reflecting on life. He is a very smart and responsible guy. Hearing that Boris Johnson and Prince Charles have caught the coronavirus makes it a must that he gets tested.
He is heavyweight champion of the world, he can’t gamble on not knowing whether he has the virus or not. He will self isolate for at least 7 days, maybe even more, then arrange a test. He will have a lot to keep him busy apart from the many phone calls he will get from close friends and family”.
Joshua is scheduled to defend his world titles against Kubrat Pulev at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 20 – his first fight back on home soil since knocking out Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium in September 2018. Eddie Hearn has revealed that the fight could provisionally be pushed back to July in the face of wide cancellations in sports following the virus outbreak.
However, Eddie Hearn revealed last week that a provisional backup date in July has already been agreed.
Elsewhere, a trilogy fight between WBC champion Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder is also likely to be postponed. Originally slated for July 18, promoter Bob Arum has now suggested an October date is more likely – a change that would end hopes of Fury and Joshua meeting in a unification bout in 2020