1,000 fans will be allowed in to watch Anthony Joshua defend his world titles against Kubrat Pulev

1,000 boxing fans will be allowed in to watch Anthony Joshua‘s world title defence against Kubrat Pulev at the O2 Arena on December 12 following the announcement of a new regional tier system today.  

London has been placed in Tier 2 so spectators will be allowed in to watch Joshua’s first fight in a year when he puts his heavyweight titles on the line against Pulev in the capital next month.

The news will come as a huge boost for Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn, who made it clear that he was keen to stage the fight with some fans present if it was possible. 

Anthony Joshua will defend his heavyweight world titles against Kubrat Pulev next month

Boxing and other elite sports, including rugby and horse racing, will now be able to welcome spectators back – which for many will be the first time since the coronavirus pandemic swept Britain and forced the first national lockdown in March – if the events are being staged in areas across England in either Tiers 1 or 2. No fans will be able to attend any sporting events in locations in Tier 3. 

Events taking place outdoors in Tier 1 can have 4,000 spectators present while in Tier 2 2,000 can attend. For indoor events in Tier 1 or 2 it is half the number allowed for outdoors.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed in the House of Commons on Thursday which tier each area of England has been placed in as part of the new regional restrictions to limit the spread of the virus, which come into force on Wednesday, December 2 – meaning this weekend’s big heavyweight fight between Daniel Dubois and Joe Joyce will still be going ahead with no spectators.

Providing London remains in Tier 2, fighting fans will also be allowed in for Billy Joe Saunders’ WBO super-middleweight title defence against British rival Martin Murray at Wembley Arena on December 4. 

Haydock racecourse, meanwhile, are hopeful they will be able to host fans for their December 2 meeting – which would be the first sporting event in front of spectators since March.

A spokesperson told Sportsmail: ‘It is looking hopeful that we can have fans back in on December 2 and that would be great.’

However, Bristol Bears’ Premiership rugby clash with Northampton Saints next Friday will still have to be played behind closed doors as Bristol has been placed in Tier 3.

MORE TO FOLLOW…