Devis Boschiero tests positive for Covid-19 so Vladislav Melnyk now faces Francesco Patera for vacant WBC Silver Lightweight title

Melnyk and Patera will clash for WBC Silver title

Italian fighter Devis Boschiero tested positive for Covid-19 and will not be able to participate in the event on April 16 promoted behind closed doors at the Allianz Cloud in Milan, Italy, by Opi Since 82-Matchroom and broadcast live on DAZN.

So Ukraine’s Vladislav Melnyk (13-3, 8KOs) will face Francesco Patera (23-3, 8KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Council Silver Lightweight title.

Alessandro Cherchi of Opi, since 1982 commented: “The Ukrainian fighters are strong and Vladislav Melnyk will be a good opponent for Francesco Patera.

“Melnyk fought in Ukraine, Belarus, Germany and Kazakhstan and is only 22 years old. It is the first time that he will fight for such a prestigious title and that will motivate him to fight harder than ever.

“I am confident that the fight will be exciting,” Cherchi concluded.

Patera and Boschiero were due to clash in December 2020 but the fight fell through, so if the Belgian wins, that fight will be reinstated immediately. The 27-year-old from Genk is currently riding on a five-fight winning streak that has seen him scalp big names such as Brits Lewis Ritson and Paul Hyland Jr, all whlst winning the European lightweight title and defending successfullt three times before vacating to move towards world title contention.

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