Panel: How will fighting behind closed doors affect boxers?

Dereck Chisora

DEREK CHISORA
Heavyweight contender
It depends on whatโ€™s involved and who wants it more. Many of us will be able to draw on experience of effectively fighting behind closed doors in the past. I remember fighting on a Joe Calzaghe bill in Cardiff at the start of my career. Nobody was there, you get your name called, you walk to the ring and you fight. I think now, with everything thatโ€™s been going on, fighters will be ready.

ADAM BOOTH
Leading trainer
Itโ€™ll possibly affect the more experienced pros, as theyโ€™ve had longer careers where crowds are the norm. High profile fighters will need to reprogram their psyches, while accepting a sparring atmosphere. Itโ€™ll certainly be a new ride, so letโ€™s embrace it and look forward to weird!

DAVE COLDWELL
Trainer and former pro
There are certain โ€˜gym fightersโ€™ that are outstanding behind closed doors but freeze or struggle to reproduce that form under the lights. I used to be one of those fighters and they may have an advantage behind closed doors, but there are others who lift themselves in a big atmosphere. It wouldnโ€™t surprise me if we see some upsets at the start.

ANTHONY CROLLA
Former WBA champion
People might say โ€˜a fight is a fightโ€™ but there are always other factors. It will effect certain fighters differently: some who perform well in the gym could thrive while those who feed off a crowd might struggle. I think it would have affected me; I used to go up a gear and bite down on that gumshield when I had the crowd behind me.

Read an essential interview with Frank Warren on boxing coming back here

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