Fans are trying to predict what fights will appear on the Matchroom vs Queensberry event
As Beterbiev-Bivol on June 1 edges closer, not only are fans left pondering which man will be crowned undisputed light-heavyweight champion, they are also wondering who will be selected for the Matchroom vs Queensberry undercard.
However, it seems as though the surprise has been spoiled and that a shock heavyweight title bout will be on the bill.
Following the announcement of Fury-Usyk last year, the assumption was always that the victor would vacate the IBF belt due to the upcoming mandatory defence, leaving Filip Hrgovic likely to face Anthony Joshua for the vacant belt.
Although, ‘AJ’ opted for a different route, instead fighting Francis Ngannou with the promise of a shot at the newly-crowned undisputed, but soon to be unified, champion in either a trilogy clash against Usyk or an all-British showdown with Fury.
Nevertheless, Hrgovic still plans on becoming the first Croatian heavyweight champion and it seems as though his opportunity will land on the high-profile Beterbiev-Bivol event in Saudi, representing Matchroom against heavyweight rival and Queensberry representative, Daniel Dubois, according to esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael.
Per sources: IF 5 on 5 bouts being worked on are finalized (they're not yet) this what June 1 Beterbiev-Bivol card looks like: Wilder-Zhang, Hrgovic-Dubois (vacant IBF heavy), Ray Ford-Nick Ball (WBA 126), Ammo Williams-Hamzah Sheeraz (160), Craig Richards-Willy Hutchinson (175).
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) March 26, 2024
“Per sources: IF 5 on 5 bouts being worked on are finalized (they’re not yet) this what June 1 Beterbiev-Bivol card looks like: Wilder-Zhang, Hrgovic-Dubois (vacant IBF heavy), Ray Ford-Nick Ball (WBA 126), Ammo Williams-Hamzah Sheeraz (160), Craig Richards-Willy Hutchinson (175).”
This will be Dubois’ second title challenge within less than 12 months, after his controversial defeat to Usyk back in August, but ‘Triple D’ may well land a rematch for the undisputed title if both he and the Ukrainian are victorious this summer.
Yet, the rematch clause in the Fury-Usyk contract means either Dubois or Hrgovic would likely need to wait for a shot at the undisputed throne, possibly opening the door for Anthony Joshua to instead face the winner in an equally lucrative heavyweight attraction.