Earlier this month, Turki Alalshikh proposed a clash between two of his promotional partners with a 5v5 concept during the press conference that confirmed Anthony Joshua’s March fight with Francis Ngannou.
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren, of Queensberry, have long been rivals on the domestic circuit but are in the midst of a blossoming working relationship due to the influence of Alalshikh and Riyadh Season.
In recent weeks, Alashikh, Matchroom and Queensberry confirmed terms had been agreed for the stables of Matchroom and Queensberry to go head-to-head in Riyadh.
Speaking to Matchroom’s media team, Hearn said discussions were ongoing as to who is set to feature in the event, indicating that both promotional entities are looking at further additions to their stables for the tournament being proposed for June.
“There have been loads of conversations, and I think George [Warren] is just getting everything boxed off with Fury vs Usyk, and then we’ll continue those discussions, looking at around June time for a fight,” Hearn said. “Loads of divisions being discussed – will there be a few signings, late signings within the transfer window to build the strength of the team? Who knows? Because we all want to win so badly. But it’s looking really good.”
The Matchroom supremo added that he would like to see a similar card in the UK, due to the number of possible matchups which could be made between the two promotional powerhouses. Confirmed details for the Matchroom vs Queensberry event will be made public during fight week of Anthony Joshua's encounter with Francis Ngannou on March 8
"Really, as I've said before, it's more like 12 vs 12,” Hearn continued. "There's that many fights we could do against each other that people would love.
‘I said to George, maybe we have a little extension of that tournament in the UK, but there's gonna be some big fights on that card and we’ll announce them all and the weight divisions on Joshua vs Ngannou fight week.”
