Promoter Yvon Michel of Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) has revealed that former WBO light heavyweight champion, Eleider “Storm” Alvarez (25-2, 13 KOs), is dealing with symptoms of COVID-19 - and as a result his planned ring return has been pushed back.

The return was scheduled to take place on May 5 at the Cabaret of Montréal Casino. The remainder of the event is still moving forward.

"As bad news never comes alone, we are informed that Eleider Alvarez is also afflicted with significant symptoms of COVID-19 and must be removed from the gym as a preventive measure. His return to the ring is postponed. However, the May 5 gala is not compromised," Michel stated.

Alvarez was going to make his debut as a cruiserweight, in an eight round bout.

Alvarez hasn’t fought in nearly two years, since he lost to current WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith.

“I'm coming back to boxing to prove to myself that I still have great years to come and titles to conquer at cruiserweights,” Alvarez declared.

A 2008 Olympian, the fight was going to be Alvarez's first in his adopted home of Montreal in nearly five years. The highlight of his professional career to date was a stunning seventh-round stoppage of Sergey Kovalev, who was dropped three times by Alvarez, to capture the WBO light heavyweight title nearly four years ago.

Alvarez has also defeated two other world champions, Jean Pascal and Lucian Bute.

"Eleider has only two career losses, against ex-champion Sergei Kovalev who he knocked out beforehand and against the current WBO light heavyweight champion Joe Smith Jr. His talent is undeniable and with his new team he is more motivated than ever to get back to the top," Michel said.