Following the news – on the MMA Hour podcast with Ariel Hewani that Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk will take place on May 18 , Turki Alalshikh announced that Dmitry Bivol vs. Artur Beterbiev will happen on June 1. His Excellency also announced the undercard will be the intriguing 5v5 contest between Matchroom boxing and Queensberry promotions.
Turki Alalshikh Announces Date for Matchroom vs. Queensberry
Matchroom vs. Queensberry
This unique contest – was originally revealed at the press conference for Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou, where Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren immediately shook and agreed on the concept.
On January 18, Alalshikh announced an agreement had been reached between all parties for Matchroom vs. Queensberry to face off in a fascinating five-versus-five fight night, with the latest news revealing it to be the undercard for Beterbiev vs. Bivol. All eyes now turn to June 1, as the titanic clash between the two best light heavyweights will take place alongside the Matchroom vs. Queensberry undercard.
Reaction to Eddie Hearn vs. Frank Warren
His Excellency spoke on the agreement when it was originally finalised: “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. Riyadh Calendar is looking forward to hosting more exciting events.” And added: “These unique partnerships promise boxing fans from around the glove more unforgettable sports events.”
Warren could not hide his excitement at the upcoming event: “We’ve always liked a challenge, and this is a mouthwatering one. 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. 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?”
Hearn also spoke on the agreement: “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.”
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