A POSITIVE Covid-19 test has cruelly ruled a Bury boxer out of a big TV fight night.

Ben Ridings was all set to be part of the Boxxer tournament live on ITV4 and BT Sport on Tuesday evening only to find out on Monday that both he and trainer and manager Kieran Farrell had coronavirus.

Taking part in the four-man, one-night, super middleweight tournament required all participants to form part of a ‘bubble’ ahead of fight night behind closed doors at BT Sport Studio in Stratford.

Testing was part of the process with Ridings and Farrell left shocked on Monday when their test results came back.

Heywood-based Farrell said on social media: “Unfortunately Ben Ridings will not be fighting tomorrow night on Boxxer competition as myself and Ben have tested positive for COVID-19.

“We are both in good health and a bit bewildered as we have had no symptoms.

“Gutted for Ben after 18 months out of the ring he’s had no luck whatsoever.”

The 22-year-old, who has won all three of his professional fights, was the underdog and had drawn favourite Zak Chelli in the semi-finals.

The event sees both the semi-finals and final take place in one night with fights lasting just three rounds.

Chelli will now face late stand-in Vladimir Georgiev while Mike McGoldrick and Harry Woods face off in the other last four contest.

The event, with eight fighters, was initially supposed to take place in April before being postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For Dynamics ABC and Bury ABC fighter Ridings has not fought since May 2019.