Saudi Arabia is serious about its involvement in boxing, and the announcements keep rolling out. Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced that a five-on-five fight card will occur between promoters Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing. This is something that has been unheard of but will now take place in Saudi Arabia with a date formally announced during the Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou fight week.
Fans may have thought that Turki Alalshikh was just throwing out ideas when he hinted at pitting Matchroom with Queensberry. Little did we all know he was serious, and this announcement made it official that if he wants something to happen, it will happen. Michael Woods wrote a column on FightsATW exploring the idea of Turki Alalshikh being the most powerful person in boxing. These moves couldn’t be made in the past, so it’s hard to argue that this Saudi movement isn’t the biggest we have all seen in years.
Ohhhhh NEW WOODSY
Is @Turki_alalshikh The Most Powerful Person In Boxing? 🤔@Woodsy1069 @FightsATW#FuryUsyk #JoshuaNgannouhttps://t.co/Jrs1pA4huN— Abraham Gonzalez (@abeG718) January 18, 2024
H.E. Turki Alalshikh said: “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-five fight night. Riyadh Calendar is looking forward to hosting more exciting events.” And added: “These unique partnerships promise boxing fans from around the globe more unforgettable sports events”.
Frank Warren added: “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?”
🥊 Riyadh is set to host a groundbreaking boxing event! Get ready for an epic showdown as Queensberry and Matchroom clash head-to-head. This historic 5-vs-5 fight night, happening during Riyadh Calendar, it is a dream come true for boxing enthusiasts worldwide. Stay tuned for… pic.twitter.com/Zll5hVDlCC
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 18, 2024
Not to be left out, Eddie Hearn also chimed in “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.”
