The Queensberry vs Matchroom 5 vs 5 concept has showcased real potential for boxing’s future.
On Saturday night, British promoters Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn faced off in an unprecedented tournament, featuring five fighters from each of their rosters. Despite many of the matchups being evenly matched, Warren’s team triumphed, winning 5-0 in fights and 10-0 in points. Each contest was enthralling and competitive, leaving the boxing world buzzing with excitement.
Plans are already underway for future iterations of this revolutionary event. Last month, Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh hinted at a possible USA vs Mexico event headlined by Terence Crawford vs. Canelo Alvarez. Meanwhile, a second leg of Queensberry vs. Matchroom seems inevitable given the inaugural competition’s success. Another potential 5 vs 5 clash that could be considered is a UK vs USA event.
The UK and USA have a long-standing rivalry in boxing, dating back to the 19th century, ensuring high interest for such a show. Here are five potential matchups for this dream trans-Atlantic clash.
Devin Haney vs. Dalton Smith
Should Devin Haney successfully defend his WBC super-lightweight title against Sandor Martin, a showdown with Dalton Smith would be logical. Smith, from Sheffield, recently claimed the WBC ‘silver’ belt by defeating Jose Zepeda and is ranked No. 3 by the major sanctioning body. Widely regarded as one of Britain’s most exciting prospects, Smith’s win over Zepeda proves he is ready for world title contention.
Nick Ball vs. Stephen Fulton
Nick Ball claimed the WBA featherweight crown by defeating Ray Ford in the Queensberry vs. Matchroom event. A second appearance in the format against Stephen Fulton, the former WBO and WBC super-bantamweight world champion, could be on the cards. Fulton is moving up to featherweight after losing to Naoya Inoue. While Ball might want to settle his score with Rey Vargas first, a fight with Fulton could fit into his plans depending on the event’s timeline.
Daniel Dubois vs. Jared Anderson
Daniel Dubois stopped Filip Hrgovic to secure a Wembley showdown with Anthony Joshua for the soon-to-be vacated IBF heavyweight world title. Regardless of that fight’s outcome, a bout with Jared Anderson would undoubtedly excite British and American fans. Both Dubois and Anderson are rising stars in the heavyweight division and will likely face off eventually if they continue their current trajectories.
Terence Crawford vs. Chris Eubank Jr
If Turki Alalshikh plans to arrange a Crawford vs. Canelo fight in the future, Terence Crawford might first test the waters at middleweight/super middleweight. A fight with Chris Eubank Jr, which has been discussed on several occasions, could serve as the perfect prelude to a highly anticipated clash with Canelo. Crawford vs. Canelo would likely occur at super-middleweight, making a middleweight bout with Eubank Jr an ideal stepping stone.
Gervonta Davis vs. Jack Catterall
With few established British lightweight contenders to challenge Gervonta Davis at his natural weight, a move back up to 140lbs for a fight with Jack Catterall could be enticing. Catterall recently overcame his controversial loss to Josh Taylor by defeating the former undisputed super-lightweight champion. He is now seeking world titles. Davis, who won the WBA ‘regular’ super-lightweight belt in 2021, hasn’t fought at that weight since. If Catterall wins a world title in his next fight, Davis might seize the chance to become a legitimate three-weight world champion.
Credit: TalkSport
