Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn have signed contracts for the mouthwatering Queensberry vs Matchroom boxing fight card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that could finally see Anthony Joshua take on Tyson Fury.
The event had been teased earlier this week during the launch press conference for Joshua’s clash with Francis Ngannou, where Warren expressed such confidence that his fighters would win that he told Mail Sport he was willing to place a £1million bet with Hearn.
The dream event will see five fighters from each promotion go head-to-head. The date and fight card will be confirmed in March.
Warren hailed the show as ‘one of the most intriguing events’ imaginable in a statement following the announcement.
‘We’ve always liked a challenge, and this is a mouthwatering one.’ He said. ‘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.
Eddie Hearn (left) and Frank Warren (right) have signed contracts for the ground breaking event
Anthony Joshua could finally face Tyson Fury this year if he can beat Francis Ngannou
Fury has his own challenge to overcome first, as he is set to face Oleksandr Usyk next month
‘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?’
Matchroom chairman Hearn echoed his sentiment and shared his excitement for an event he expects to ‘live long in the memory’.
Hearn 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.’
Filip Hrgovic could finally face a serious test after dominating the overmatched Mark de Mori in December
Daniel Dubois could be the ideal opponent after he beat Jarrell Miller in a thrilling fight last year
Along with the long awaited Joshua vs Fury clash, the showcase is also likely to feature the likes of Filip Hrgovic and Daniel Dubois, Fabio Wardley and Moses Itauma, as well as Callum Smith and Anthony Yarde.
Alalshikh, who has hosted a slew of major bouts over the past few years, talked up the massive showdown.
‘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 fight night.’ He said. ‘Riyadh Calendar is looking forward to hosting more exciting events.’
He added: ‘These unique partnerships promise boxing fans from around the glove more unforgettable sports events.’