British boxing has been suspended for January because of the increase in coronavirus cases.

The British Boxing Board of Control said events under their jurisdiction would not take place because of the impact a surge in cases has on the NHS.

The decision means Scot Lee McGregor’s European bantamweight title fight against Karim Guerfi of France will not take place on 22 January.

Welterweight Josh Kelly’s European title fight with Russian David Avanesyan on 30 January is also off.

The BBBofC said a further review would take place later in January.

Eddie Hearn, promoter and managing director of Matchroom Sport, said he was hopeful his fighters would resume in February.

“Hopefully that will be in the UK but we will proceed regardless, safely and by any means necessary. To the fighters out there, stay ready!” he wrote on Twitter.