KSW
The European promotion is the latest to cancel an upcoming event as the COVID-19 virus spreads further across the continent.
Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on the European MMA schedule. Following cancellations to events promoted by ARES FC, Oktagon MMA, and AFL, KSW are the latest organization to pull the plug on one of their upcoming shows.
KSW 53: Fight Code was scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 21 in Lodz, Poland. However, the promotion announced on Wednesday afternoon that the event would no longer go ahead due to the coronavirus outbreak. There was speculation on Tuesday that the show may still happen behind closed doors in a TV studio, unfortunately, with star headliner Mariusz Pudzianowski already off the card due to injury it appears the promotion has decided to call it off altogether.
The safety of all participants of the galas organized by us are always our priority,” KSW announced via a written statement. “That is why we are very sad to inform you that we are forced to cancel KSW 53 planned for March 21, 2020 in Lodz, Poland.
“Despite our best efforts to organize the event, we had to make this difficult decision. Due to restrictions introduced throughout the country, aimed at minimizing the extent of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, KSW 53 will not take place either in the previously indicated location or in the television studio.
“Our decision is motivated by care for ensuring safety and preventing health-threatening situations for both fighters who reach events from all around the world, as well as employees and associates organizing the event.”
Apart from the originally planned Pudzianowski fight, the show was set to feature welterweight champion, Roberto Soldic, defending his title against Strikeforce, DREAM, and Bellator veteran, Marius Zaromskis. Michal Materla was also scheduled to return to action at the event, after falling short in his attempt to win the middleweight belt last May. And two-weight champion, Mateusz Gamrot, was ready to end his fifteen month hiatus from competition opposite UFC veteran, Edimilson ‘Kevin’ Souza.
KSW has not announced any plans for their next event as of yet, but will likely provide more information in the coming weeks as the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic becomes clearer.