By Rawle Toney

LENNOX ‘Too Sharp’ Allen’s April 11 clash with Cuban David Morrell Jr, for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Super Middleweight title at the Minneapolis Armory, is still on schedule.

The 35-year-old Allen told Chronicle Sport yesterday that preparations are ongoing for the clash, despite the domino-like effect in cancellation of sporting events because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

Allen pointed out that he has since spoken to the promoters of the event, who said that all plans are on stream and they will be taking the necessary precautions needed to ensure the health safety of the fighters and patrons at the Minneapolis Armory.

In the meantime, Allen revealed, “it’s training and home for me,” as the fighter noted that he’s doing all that’s told to him by his team to stay safe and focus on the fight, especially since he’s based in New York, where it was declared a state of emergency, amid state-wide ban on all large gatherings, following their hit of the COVID-19 virus.

Allen is the country’s highest ranked/rated fighter on the international scenes, vaunts a perfect ring-record of 22 wins, 14 of which came by way of TKO, as well as one draw from his 23 outings.

His latest win, a unanimous-decision victory over Derrick Webster, saw him claim the WBA’s gold title at the Super Middleweight division last year.

“I know that Morrell sees me as a step in his career, but that’s exactly how I see him as well. I’ve worked hard to get one step away from the top and I’m planning on taking that step in this fight,” Allen said.

“We both have good technical skills, but I think I’m going to have to be the one to press the fight and take it to him. I’m thankful to have this opportunity to fight on FOX and after my performance I’m looking forward to fighting on this stage a lot more,” he added.

Morrell Jr is the WBA’s No. 3-ranked Super Middleweight contender. A native of Cuba now fighting out of Minneapolis, Morrell recently joined the pro ranks after winning 130 of 132 amateur bouts.

Morrell turned pro last August with a blowout win over Yendris Rodriguez Valdez at the Armory. He recently signed a long-term contract with Warriors Boxing of South Florida and Russia-based Ural Promotions.

The Allen/Morell fight will be on the same card as the Jamal ‘Shango’ James (26-1, 12 KOs) versus Thomas Dulorme (25-3-1, 16 KOs) bout for the WBA Welterweight title. The bouts will be the headline events for a Premier Boxing Champions card on FOX.