In March, his Excellency Turki Alalshikh, who’s chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Common Leisure Authority, introduced {that a} showdown would happen as a matter of pleasure between two of boxing’s main promoters. Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom boxing was requested to decide on 5 of it’s steady mates as a way to face off in opposition to 5 contenders which can be contracted to Frank Warren’s Queensberry promotion. This week, these boxers have been formally introduced for the 5 vs 5 boxing occasion card.
When Will the 5 vs 5 Boxing Match Take Place?
The 5 vs 5 card will characteristic as a part of a blockbuster occasion headlined by the Undisputed championship of the world bout between gentle heavyweights Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. In anticipation of the conflict between the 2 promotional giants within the 5 vs 5 battle, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh instructed reporters: “The 5 vs 5 match is among the standout occasions on Riyadh’s calendar this yr.”
The present is about for June 1 in Saudi Arabia and will probably be broadcast reside around the globe.
Who’re the Ten Contenders within the 5 vs 5 Boxing Occasion?
The matches have been set and the ten contenders have been revealed as follows:
Queensberry’s Daniel Dubois (20-2, with 19 KOs) is the younger UK powerhouse who was a latest challenger to unified champion Oleksandr Usyk. Dubois will go up in opposition to IBF No.1 contender Filip Hrgovic (17-0, with14 KOs) on behalf of Matchroom in a battle that may also decide who will probably be first in line to struggle for the IBF World Heavyweight title later this yr.
In one other heavyweight conflict, Chinese language big “Huge Bang” Zhilei Zhang (26-2-1, with 21 KOs) has been chosen to symbolize Queensberry. The 40-year-old southpaw takes on Matchroom decide and former WBC world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder (43-3-1, with 42 KOs).
At featherweight, in what many predict will probably be a struggle of the yr contender, Queensberry’s Nick Ball, (19-0-1, with 11 KOs), and Matchroom’s American world champion Ray Ford, (15-0-1, with 8 KOs), will sq. off for Ford’s WBA World Featherweight championship.
A traditional middleweight encounter additionally seems probably when Queensberry’s undefeated Hamzah Sheeraz, the WBC Silver and Commonwealth champion (19-0 with 15 KOs), trades blows with Matchroom’s USA contender Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, who has impressively assembled a document of 16-0, with 11 KOs.
Queensberry gentle heavyweight and former World Beginner champion Willy Hutchinson (17-1, 13 with KOs), is hailed as one of many brightest abilities in British boxing and the present WBC Worldwide champion. He’ll face Matchroom’s former British champion and WBA world title challenger Craig ‘Spider’ Richards (18-3-1, 11 with KOs) to spherical off the cardboard.
What’s at Stake for Queensberry and Matchroom?
Relatively than prize cash or titles, it’s pleasure that’s at steak when two of the world’s main boxing promoters put their reputations on the road. “The evening of June 1 will mark an exciting and spectacular return to Riyadh, the place the pleasure and status of two firms will probably be at stake within the 5 vs 5 idea that neither promoter dares to ponder shedding!” stated Queensberry’s Frank Warren this week. “Our 5 chosen champions are able to rule in Riyadh.”
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn commented; “One of the best Sport stems from the best rivalries. And on June 1, I’m assured Matchroom will reign supreme over Queensberry. I’ve assembled a staff of elite world beaters who’re able to do the enterprise. Dropping isn’t an choice … I’m certain this unprecedented five-versus-five would be the first of many duels with Frank Warren and his staff—and should the very best man win!”
