Callum Johnson will be fighting Joe Smith Jr for the world title with Covid-19. Anthony Yarde, a fellow Brit, is in line instead

CALLUM JOHNSON, who was positive for Covid after being tested positive, has had to withdraw from his fight with Joe Smith Jr.

Smith was to be challenged by Johnson for the WBO lightweight heavyweight strap in New York on Sunday morning.

However, a positive Covid result has ended The One's second chance at a title in the world.

Frank Warren, a promoter of the BBC, said that Callum's actions were a great shame.

"We are hopeful that we can get him back in. They may want to [reschedule] the fight for late spring.

"He worked very hard to obtain the opportunity."

Johnson, 37, may not be able to fight because the bout was a voluntary defense for Smith Jr.

Johnson's loss could actually be Anthony Yarde's gain, as he is currently No.1 in WBO's 175lb rankings.

Warren stated, "If Callum does not get his shot, then Anthony Yarde will."

"I would love to see Joe Smith v Anthony Yarde in Britain.

"The WBO says there is a mandatory due, and it will be Yarde. He is number one.

"Anthony looked great in his fight against Lyndon Arthur. We have him ready to fight in March. Fingers crossed.

"We'll wait to see what happens with Smith next week and how he does. From there, you can go.

"I want Anthony to be busy. We want to win the world title for him.

"The experience he has gained since [fighting] Sergey Kovalev is a great asset to him." Smith is really in trouble."

Johnson has not yet commented on Smith Jr's unfortunate withdrawal.

After his defeat in the fourth round to Artur Beterbiev, the unification light-heavyweight champion four years ago, Lincolnshire's light-heavyweight won his second chance at the title.