Paul Gallen fight with Josh Aloiai cancelled after Covid-19 case
Paul Gallen's boxing fight with NRL star Josh Aloiai has been postponed after the Manly forward tested positive for Covid-19.
The Manly forward had been preparing to fight Paul Gallen in Newcastle next month.
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But Manly confirmed Aloiai tested positive to the virus, throwing the bout in jeopardy.
Aloiai is the first current NRL player known to have caught the virus since the start of the pandemic last year.
Manly sent out a statement regarding Aloiai.
"Josh was not due to return to official team training until mid-December and has had no recent face to face contact with his Manly team-mates," it read.
"Josh is fully vaccinated and the Club is working with the NRL to ensure he follows NSW Health Orders and NRL protocols over the coming weeks."
Gallen is coming off a brutal loss to rising Aussie heavyweight Justis Huni, which was stopped due TKO in the the 10th round.
However, he will have to wait for a potential postponement after the devastating news.
Reporter Ben Damon claimed promoter No Limit will aim to put on the bout before Christmas.
With Josh Aloiai’s positive covid test the 9/10 December double header featuring Paul Gallen, Andrew Moloney, Harry Garside etc will be postponed. No Limit now hopes to put the event on before xmas.
— Ben Damon (@ben_damon) November 24, 2021
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Aloiai was not yet due back at Manly training, and it's believed the entire Sea Eagles squad has at least had their first vaccine against the virus.
Aloiai has had both vaccinations.
Less than 15 NRL players are still to have their first shot.
And the NRL is confident that number will be no more than five players, with clubs still weighing up how to best deal with those who refuse the vaccine.
It comes as the AFL had its first case in more than a year earlier this month after Hawthorn's Finn Maginness tested positive.
A handful of AFLW players have also contracted the virus.
The Sheffield Shield match between NSW and Victoria at the SCG was also postponed for day when allrounder Will Sutherland tested positive.
with AAP
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