The Americas boxing qualifier in Buenos Aires has been suspended ©Olympic Channel

The Americas Olympic boxing qualifier for Tokyo 2020 in Buenos Aires has been suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Competition was due to take place in Argentina's capital between March 26 and April 3 but will now not go ahead as planned.

It follows a move from the Argentinian Government to restrict international events in the country with immediate effect.

The boxing tournament at Tokyo 2020 will be run by an International Olympic Committee (IOC) task force after the International Boxing Association were stripped of involvement for a series of governance issues.

Officials now face a headache in creating a fair qualification system for all athletes, with the African event in Dakar already complete and the Asia-Oceania competition finishing in Amman today.

London is due to host the European qualifier from Saturday (March 14) while Paris is scheduled to stage a final qualifier for boxers who have not yet booked their place from May 13.

"The IOC Boxing Task Force (BTF) regrets to inform that due to the coronavirus outbreak and recent measures taken by the Argentinian Government, the Boxing Road to Tokyo Americas qualifying event scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina from March 26 to April 3 has been suspended," a statement said.

Qualifying events have already taken place in Dakar and Amman ©Getty Images
Qualifying events have already taken place in Dakar and Amman ©Getty Images

"The Local Organising Committee informed the BTF earlier today that the Government of Argentina has taken the decision to restrict all types of international events in the country with immediate effect as a precautionary measure to COVID-19.

"The BTF understands and respects the decision taken by the public authorities of Argentina during this difficult time worldwide. 

"We are searching for the appropriate solution for this unexpected situation and will immediately inform the National Olympic Committees, National Federations and other impacted parties as soon as further information is available.

"We apologise for this unexpected occurrence and understand the inconvenience for all stakeholders, especially for our athletes and delegations. 

"We assure you that the BTF is doing its utmost to find the best solution." 

Nineteen cases of coronavirus have been reported in Argentina, with one death.

There have now been more than 120,000 cases around the world, and more than 4,300 people have died.

The cases have predominantly been in China, where the virus originated.

Numerous other sporting events have either been cancelled or postponed.