Former world title challenge Anthony Yarde's father has died of coronavirus.
The fighter released a statement in the early hours of Sunday morning, confirming his dad had no underlying health conditions.
The crisis has claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people in the United Kingdom and more than 30,000 worldwide.
Yarde, who challenged Sergey Kovalev for the Russian's cruiserweight world title last year, said: "I'm a very private person and to be honest I'm still in shock but maybe this can help people stay at home.
"My dad passed away from this virus yesterday and he was fit with no health issues.
"The more people go out and mingle the lower this isolation will last and the more it will spead.
"I'm not a doctor but I do know if you stay at home you are less likely to catch it or pass it on, it's seriously not worth the risk."
Yarde's promoter offered his condolences to the fighter and his family.
A statement read: "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."
Boxing has been suspended in the UK until at least the end of April but that is likely to stretch into the summer and beyond.
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