Queensberry Promoter Frank Warren has been heavily involved in the recent influx of boxing events staged by ‘Riyadh Season’ and within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, the British boxing veteran has now confirmed the unfortunate postponement of one of the most highly-anticipated upcoming cards.
Back in June, Warren famously whitewashed rival promoter Eddie Hearn in the ‘Queensberry vs. Matchroom; five versus five’ with all five of Warren’s Queensberry fighters overcoming each competitor from Hearn’s stable.
Then, just three months later, Warren got one over on Hearn once again, as Daniel Dubois dramatically knocked out Anthony Joshua to retain his IBF heavyweight world title and put an end to ‘AJ’s’ impressive recent run of late.
Regardless of the damning stoppage win, Joshua still demanded a second shot at Dubois’ throne in the hopes of becoming boxing’s fifth three-time heavyweight champion and the pair were expected to meet again on February 22nd, topping the bill of a second ‘five versus five’ event.
Yet, recent reports have ruled Joshua out from appearing on that date, with injuries hampering Warren and Hearn’s plans for a rematch – leaving Warren to search for an alternate opponent for Dubois.
In an interview with iFL TV, Warren has now revealed that the February 22nd bill will no longer be a ‘five vs. five’ event, explaining that the planned second cross-promotional showdown have been pushed back.
“You’re going to love it [the Dubois card], you are going to love it. I promise you, everybody is going to love it.”
“It won’t be a five vs. five. That is going to be pushed back, but it is going to be a great card.””
Warren went on to add that he expects ‘five vs. five’ cards will become more of a regular occurrence now that he has signed a broadcasting deal with DAZN.
“I am looking forward to the five vs. five, especially now that we are all under the same umbrella. It is going to be easy [to arrange].
“We can do them in Riyadh, where they originated from or we might do one here. Who knows?
“You can do them at different levels now, I am really looking forward to it.”
As for the February 22nd card, major fights being touted include; Chris Eubank Jr.’s grudge match with Conor Benn, a unification clash involving pound-for-pound star Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and a world title shot for undefeated British middleweight Hamzah Sheeraz.
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