Boxer Anthony Yarde confirms his father's death from coronavirus and urges people to stay at home

Boxer Anthony Yarde announced his father's death on social media on Sunday
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George Flood29 March 2020

British boxer Anthony Yarde has announced the death of his father from coronavirus.

The 28-year-old confirmed the tragic news via his Instagram account on Sunday, urging people to stay at home and stop risking the further spread of Covid-19.

Yarde said his father had been fit with no underlying heath problems.

"I'm a very private person and tbh I'm still in shock but maybe this can help people stay home," he said.

"My Dad passed away from this virus yesterday and he was fit with no health issues.

"The more people go out and mingle the longer this isolation will last and the more it will spread.

"I'm not a doctor but I do know if you stay home you are less likely to catch it or pass it on. It's seriously not worth the risk."

Reacting to the news, Yarde's promoter Frank Warren said on social media: "Frank Warren and everyone at Queensberry Promotions would like to express sincere condolences to Anthony Yarde and his family after the untimely passing of his father.

"Coronavirus is an issue affecting all of us, but that doesn’t make the individual casualties any less tragic.

"We hope that his fans listen to Anthony’s heartfelt plea for people to take the government’s advice seriously so we can try and minimise the suffering of others."

On Saturday, it was confirmed that the total number of coronavirus deaths in the UK had now reached 1,019, with 17,089 positive cases.

London light-heavyweight Yarde's next fight was due to be against fellow Briton Lyndon Arthur on the undercard of Daniel Dubois vs Joe Joyce at London's O2 Arena on April 11.

That event has now been delayed until July 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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