Eleider Alvarez removed from card due to COVID-19 illness

Eleider Alvarez will not return from his long layoff as previously planned.

The former light heavyweight titlist is ill after testing positive for COVID-19, and his planned ring return has been postponed. Casino

The 38-year-old was scheduled to end a 20-month layoff on May 3 at the Cabaret of Montréal Casino. However, the card will move on without Alvarez.

“As bad news never comes alone, we are informed that Eleider Alvarez is also afflicted with significant symptoms of COVID-19 and must be removed from the gym as a preventive measure. His return to the ring is postponed. However, the May 5 gala is not compromised,” Michel stated.

Alvarez was set to make his debut as a cruiserweight in a slated eight-round contest.

Alvarez last fought in August 2020, when he was knocked out in nine rounds by current WBO 175-pound beltholder Joe Smith Jr.

“I’m coming back to boxing to prove to myself that I still have great years to come and titles to conquer at cruiserweights,” the 2008 Olympian declared.

The highlight of his career was an upset seventh-round TKO of former champion Sergey Kovalev, whom he dropped three times to capture the WBO world title. However, he failed to record a single defense as he lost the belt to Kovalev in an immediate rematch six months later.

Alvarez also holds wins over two former world champions: Lucian Bute and Jean Pascal.

“Eleider has only two career losses, against ex-champion Sergey Kovalev, who he knocked out beforehand, and against the current WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. His talent is undeniable, and with his new team, he is more motivated than ever to get back to the top,” Michel said.