Turki Al-Alshikh’s growing influence in the world of boxing has become undeniable and as debates as to whether Gervonta Davis or Canelo Alvarez are the ‘face of boxing’ rage on, it would be hard to argue against the Saudi claiming that mantle. With three mammoth events on the horizon, Al-Alshikh is poised to add to his extraordinary schedule, with an announcement anticipated next month.
Al-Alshikh’s first foray into the world of boxing came with the ‘Battle of the Baddest’ last October, where Tyson Fury picked himself up off of the canvas and laboured to a split-decision victory against Francis Ngannou.
Since then, Riyadh has played host to two phenomenal Anthony Joshua cards, the legendary undisputed heavyweight title showdown between Fury and Oleksandr Usyk and an intriguing ‘five versus five’ concept where Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable were whitewashed 5-0 by rival Frank Warren and his fighters.
The ‘five versus five’ concept is expected to continue, especially given Al-Alshikh’s growing relationships with both Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions – opening the door for a new competitor in any such event.
However, for now it seems as though Hearn and Warren will take part in the second instalment of the idea, as Michael Benson reported that the announcement of a rematch between the rival promoters will be announced within the next month or so.
Eddie Hearn has confirmed to me that he’s been in talks with Frank Warren about a rematch of the Queensberry-Matchroom 5 vs 5 event and said he hopes news will be announced regarding this in the next month or so.
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) August 8, 2024
“Eddie Hearn has confirmed to me that he’s been in talks with Frank Warren about a rematch of the Queensberry-Matchroom 5 vs 5 event and said he hopes news will be announced regarding this in the next month or so.”
Meanwhile, Hearn struggled to hide his ‘desperation’ for revenge.
“Yeah, we’re already talking to Frank [Warren] about the next instalment of the 5 vs 5.
“I’m desperate for revenge and next time we shall get it.
“Hopefully we’ll be in a position to announce that in the next month or so.”
It is likely that further details regarding the bill will be confirmed after the Joshua-Dubois event at Wembley Stadium on September 21st – where Anthony Joshua and Josh Warrington of Matchroom appear, alongside Daniel Dubois, Tyler Denny, Hamzah Sheeraz, Anthony Cacace, Willy Hutchinson and Mark Chamberlain of Queensberry Promotions.
As far as potential match-up’s go, Dalton Smith (Matchroom) and Pierce O’Leary (Queensberry) are both well ranked at super-lightweight and aiming to push on to the world level, whilst Joe Joyce (Queensberry) has made it clear that he intends to hang about in the heavyweight division – possibly opening the door for a clash with fan-favourite Johnny Fisher (Matchroom).
Meanwhile, Cacace will defend his IBF super-featherweight title against Josh Warrington at Wembley and the victor of that contest may well find themselves appearing on another Al-Alshikh card, particularly given Hearn’s depth in quality at the weight.
Additionally, Al-Alshikh will stage the undisputed light-heavyweight title contest between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol on October 12th, before the mouthwatering rematch between Usyk and Fury commences on December 21st.
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