Matchroom Boxing Chairman Eddie Hearn has confirmed that official negotiations are underway with Queensberry Promotions to stage a massive 7v7 team tournament later this year. Following the one-sided 5-0 victory for Frank Warren’s Queensberry squad in June 2024, the two promotional giants are now looking to expand the format and bring the rivalry to a British audience, likely in London.
The revised format would see seven fighters from each stable face off, a significant increase from the original 5v5 structure held in Riyadh. These discussions, which reportedly began in late May 2026, aim to capitalize on the immense domestic interest in the UK. Eddie Hearn admitted his team was “spanked” in the first outing and expressed an urgent desire to “run it back” to avenge the previous shutout.
During the inaugural event at the Kingdom Arena, Queensberry fighters dominated the card. High-profile victories for Nick Ball over Raymond Ford and Zhilei Zhang’s knockout of Deontay Wilder secured a $3 million prize for Frank Warren. However, boxing match delayed by contract talks in other areas of the sport haven’t stopped this specific collaboration from moving forward rapidly.
Proposed matchups for the Queensberry-Matchroom 7v7 event
While contracts are not yet signed, several intriguing pairings have already surfaced during preliminary talks. Eddie Hearn teased a potential light heavyweight rematch between Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi as a possible headline attraction. Callum Smith previously defeated Joshua Buatsi in January 2025 in a contest widely regarded as a candidate for Fight of the Year.
The heavyweight division could also see a significant clash between “The Romford Bull” Johnny Fisher and veteran Dillian Whyte. This pairing represents the “domestic slant” Eddie Hearn is targeting for the UK-based show. Other mentioned bouts include Giorgio Visioli facing British lightweight champion Louie O’Doherty, and a middleweight scrap between the rising George Liddard and WBO interim champion Denzel Bentley.
The selection of these names suggests a shift toward more local, high-stakes rivalries that resonate with the British public. Eddie Hearn indicated that the event would almost certainly take place in London, providing a different atmosphere than the high-production, invitation-only feel of the Saudi Arabian shows. Much like how Fury-Joshua contracts still pending for a Wembley date have stirred the public, a 14-man tournament in the capital is expected to sell out quickly.
Expanding the tournament format to seven fights
Moving from five to seven bouts increases the complexity of the deal but also offers more opportunities for points-based drama. The previous scoring system allocated one point for a decision, two for a stoppage, and zero for a draw, with “Captain’s points” counting for double. It is currently unclear if these exact rules will remain, but the expansion to seven fights provides both promoters more flexibility to showcase their deepest divisions.
Eddie Hearn noted that the 7v7 proposal was an evolution of the discussions that started only days ago. By adding two more slots, the promoters can include a wider range of weight classes, potentially including prospects and established champions alike. This follows a trend where women’s boxing’s emerging prime and multi-fight cards are becoming the standard for major promotional collaborations.
Targeted dates and potential venues for the UK return
Current plans point toward an October or November 2026 date for the 7v7 spectacle. The O2 Arena or Wembley Arena in London are the primary candidates for the venue, given their history with both Matchroom Boxing and Queensberry Promotions. Staging the event in England allows for a more traditional “home and away” feel, contrasting with the neutral ground of Riyadh used for the 5-0 sweep.
The broadcast arrangements are expected to involve a joint effort between DAZN and TNT Sports Box Office, mirroring the successful commercial structure of previous “Season” events. For Eddie Hearn, the motivation remains personal as much as professional. After losing every single bout in the first series, the pressure to select a winning lineup this time around is immense for the Matchroom boss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the first Matchroom vs Queensberry event?
Team Queensberry, led by Frank Warren, achieved a clean sweep with a 5-0 victory over Team Matchroom. Key wins for Queensberry included Daniel Dubois defeating Filip Hrgovic and Hamzah Sheeraz stopping Ammo Williams. Matchroom’s captain, Deontay Wilder, was also knocked out by Zhilei Zhang during the event.
Which fighters are being considered for the 7v7 rematch?
Eddie Hearn has publicly mentioned several potential matchups, including a light heavyweight rematch between Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi. Other names in the frame include heavyweights Johnny Fisher and Dillian Whyte, as well as George Liddard, Denzel Bentley, Giorgio Visioli, and Louie O’Doherty.
Where will the next team-versus-team boxing event take place?
According to Eddie Hearn, the proposed 7v7 event will be held in the United Kingdom, specifically London. This marks a departure from the first event, which was hosted at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Riyadh Season celebrations.
