THIS summer’s promotional showdown between Matchroom and Queensberry took a step closer to becoming a reality today.
Earlier this year, two of the world’s leading promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren struck a deal with Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, to stage a historic five-versus-five fight night. This event will feature five boxers from Matchroom and five from Queensberry going head-to-head on the same night.
Although the matchups and weight classes have yet to be announced, it was confirmed today that the five weight classes to choose from will be Heavyweight (two fights), Light-Heavyweight, Middleweight, and Featherweight.
Hearn and Warren, who have had a rocky relationship in the past, have set aside their differences under the guidance of boxing fan Turki Alalshikh, who facilitated the deal. The trio has been working together to bring top-caliber fights to the Middle East.
Notable fighters from both promotions, such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Dmitry Bivol, Jai Opetaia, Daniel Dubois, Moses Itauma, Nick Ball, Israil Madrimov, and more, have already competed in Saudi Arabia. Exciting matchups like Fury vs. Ngannou and Joshua vs. Ngannou have taken place, with Fury set to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight title soon.
Hearn and Warren must now select their fighters wisely to have a competitive edge over the other. Warren has even hinted at a possible bet with Hearn on the outcome.
The Five vs. Five fights could serve as a supporting event for the undisputed light-heavyweight title fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol scheduled for June 1. The next step is for Hearn and Warren to reveal their fighter lineup for the event.