Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren are set to collide in a rematch later this year, once again pitting their respective Matchroom and Queensberry stables against one another.
Their first encounter, in June 2024, saw Warren score a resounding 10-0 victory over his promotional rival in an inaugural 5v5 event.
With bonus points for stoppages and team captains, it was a complete and utter drubbing for Hearn, who hopes to exact his revenge in an expected 7v7 rerun.
As far as matchups are concerned, several have already been mooted as likely candidates, and so here is an idea of how the full bill of boxing might shape up.
Ben Whittaker vs Anthony Yarde
Initially, Callum Smith vs Joshua Buatsi 2 emerged as the proposed main event, yet it now seems that Smith is angling to face unified champion Dmitry Bivol.
Elsewhere in the light-heavyweight division, though, a headline-worthy showdown could materialise between Ben Whittaker and Anthony Yarde, who have already expressed an interest in their possible clash.
While Whittaker is set to headline a Matchroom card in October, plans could easily change if the opportunity to face a three-time world title challenger comes knocking.
Joe Cordina vs Sam Noakes
Matchroom’s Joe Cordina was supposed to face WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason earlier this month, only to be denied a US visa on account of his looming appearance in court.
Facing charges of assault and possession of an offensive weapon, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the former two-time world champion.
Inside the ring, however, he could end up locking horns with lightweight contender Sam Noakes, who fought to an enthralling unanimous decision loss against Mason in November.
Nick Ball vs Murodjon Akhmadaliev
Despite losing his WBA featherweight title to Brandon Figueroa in February, Nick Ball remains a world-class attraction and now looks to reinvent himself at super-featherweight.
Another former world champion that could join him at 130lbs is Murodjon Akhmadaliev, who lost a unanimous decision to super-bantamweight king Naoya Inoue in September.
With both having a point to prove, their matchup has already been discussed by Hearn, though Queensberry’s Ball would likely be made a slight favourite.
Zhilei Zhang vs Justis Huni
While having not fought since his sixth-round stoppage defeat to Agit Kabayel in February 2025, Zhilei Zhang is seemingly not ready to hang up the gloves just yet.
Even at the age of 43, the Chinese southpaw represents a dangerous opponent for any heavyweight, not least Matchroom’s Justis Huni, who comes off a points win over Frazer Clarke in April.
Perhaps the 27-year-old’s greater activity would afford him a slight edge but, regardless, this feels like a matchup that could go either way.
Conah Walker vs Jack Rafferty
Conah Walker and Jack Rafferty fought respectively on Matchroom and Queensberry shows in May, securing stoppages over Sam Eggington and Ekow Essuman.
Given their all-action styles, it would surely make for a compelling barnburner if they were to collide later this year, with both of them capable of maintaining a relentless output.
Either way, the winner could separate himself from the domestic scene and push towards world honours at 147lbs.
Bilal Fawaz vs Carl Fail
Having pulled off upset victories over Junaid Bostan and Ishmael Davis, Bilal Fawaz has earned his position as a regular fixture on Matchroom shows.
The British champion adopts an unorthodox approach, both inside and outside the ring, but remains unbeaten against his super-welterweight cohorts.
But so too does Carl Fail, who, having been clamouring for a British title shot, seems deserving of an opportunity to solve the Fawaz puzzle.
Louie O’Doherty vs Giorgio Visioli
Many have suggested that Giorgio Visioli is the future of British boxing, so surely it would make sense for him to prove himself against the current British champion.
While the 23-year-old has branded himself as a stylish counterpuncher, Louie O’Doherty is more of an attritional workhorse who typically overwhelms opponents with volume.
The lightweight champion could therefore offer a genuine test for Visioli who, up to this point, has won all of his fights in convincing fashion.
