EBU lightweight Francesco Patera (23-3) has tested positive for COVID-19 and is out of the defense against Devis Boschiero (48-6-2) - a fight that was booked as the headliner of the OPI since 82 / Matchroom Italy show in Milano, Italy, on Thursday December 17. DAZN will be streaming the card,

Boschiero is still to fight on the show and will now take on Samuel Gonzales (22-7).

Headlining the show is now EBU super bantamweight champion Luca Rigoldi (22-1-2) defending the title against British challenger Gamal Yafai (17-1).

Interviewed by DAZN journalist Marco Russo, the fighters spoke about their fights.

Boschiero: “I feel very good because I did a very long training. I want to wish the best to Francesco Patera who tested positive to Covid-19. I hope to fight him next year. Changing opponent at the last minute is not a problem for me because I have had a long career as a professional and I am used to any situation. A well trained boxer can face anybody even on short notice. I am sorry that the WBC Silver belt won’t be on the line as I want badly to win that championship”.

Gonzalez: “We are both pros with great international experience and both warriors. I saw Devis Boschiero’s fights and he always comes forward like I do. That’s the guarantee that it will be an entertaining fight. Who’s smarter in the ring will prevail”.

Rigoldi: ”I am very motivated and well trained. I improved after winning and defending the European belt. Like all the challengers to the Euro title, Gamal Yafai is a top boxer. I am ready for the worse and therefore in the ring can only be much better. To put up a great show, you need two fighters who want to fight. Gamal Yafai is confident to win and so am I”.

Yafai: “I have been waiting this fight for too long and can’t wait to enter the ring  Luca Rigoldi is a good opponent, I will do my best against him.”