Ohashi Boxing Gym in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, said on June 26 it will see to it that polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests can be administered to determine whether someone is infected with the novel coronavirus infection vis-a-vis an Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation title bout and a Japanese championship match behind closed doors in Tokyo on July 16.

While the OPBF featherweight title match between champion Satoshi Shimizu and compatriot Kyohei Tonomoto will be held at the Korakuen Hall along with the Japanese super lightweight title bout between undefeated Koki Inoue and challenger Daishi Nagata, Hideyuki Ohashi, the head of the gym to which Shimizu and Inoue belong, said, ‘’I have always wanted to see PCR tests introduced to match the world standards.’’ PCR tests are obligatory in boxing matches in the U.S.

PCR tests are also expected to be administered in matches planned on July 25 in Kobe, western Japan, boxing officials said, adding they want to introduce PCR tests for other matches as well.

Already antibody tests are required for boxers and their chief seconds concerned three weeks and a one-day before their bouts, respectively.