By Elliot Worsell
MENTIONED for the first time earlier this week, the idea of five fighters from Frank Warren’s stable going up against five fighters from Eddie Hearn’s stable is now set to become a reality.
That’s thanks to Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), who not only proposed the idea on Monday (January 15) at a London press conference but is, in truth, the only man in boxing with both the power and cash to make sure it happens.
This, after all, is hardly a new concept, nor something Warren and Hearn have never been encouraged to do before. In fact, the prospect of Warren and Hearn joining forces for the betterment of the sport has been something many boxing fans have wanted to see for a long time now, only to be told, when asking the question, that boxing politics would ultimately prevent it.
Then, however, Turki Alalshikh came along and everything changed.
“This type of agreement is what boxing fans have been waiting for, as the best champions worldwide are going to be a part of the five-versus-five fight night,” said Alalshikh. “Riyadh Calendar is looking forward to hosting more exciting events. These unique partnerships promise boxing fans from around the globe more unforgettable sports events.”
According to a press release, this collaboration between Warren and Hearn will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the date itself announced during the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou fight week in March.
“We’ve always liked a challenge, and this is a mouthwatering one,” said Frank Warren. “I honestly think this is one of the most intriguing events you could think of in boxing; a proper event to find out whose stable is stronger. I’d like to thank His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who is really changing the game, like we said right at the start. He’s injected a new energy into the sport. This Queensberry vs. Matchroom fight night encapsulates all of the elements you want in an event as a promoter: rivalry, characters, history, and competition. It’s time to settle the score. Who’s getting the bragging rights?”
Eddie Hearn, meanwhile, said: “For decades it has been the Hearns versus the Warrens; Matchroom versus Queensberry. It is without doubt the most storied rivalry in the sport. Now, thanks to the unrivalled vision of His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, fight fans witnessed a handshake that broke the internet – and now they will see the world’s leading promoters going hammer and tong to settle a score for the ages. It’s the best against the best and this unprecedented night of boxing in Riyadh will live long in the memory.”