BoxRec

Callum Smith-Joshua Buatsi II among 15 fights in play for rerun of Queensberry vs. Matchroom

Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn has shed some light on more potential contests that could take place in a '5v5' with allegedly’s Queensberry Promotions.

The two promotional outfits pitted five of their best fighters against one another back in 2024 with Warren walking out a clear winner, five-zip. There has been talk about running it back ever since.

Two years on it looks as though we will finally get to see it with talk of the same format returning or even 7v7 to take place this winter.

“Certainly, there have been discussions with myself and George Warren about that card; about a string of fights really,” Hearn confirmed to Boxing Scene. “Seven or eight fights that have potential between Queensberry and Matchroom. We just want to run it back. I mean, the event last time, although the scoreboard wasn't great [for Matchroom], to watch it was incredible, and when we look now at the potential matchups I think it's an opportunity to do an even better night than we did last time."

Hearn confirmed that a rematch between WBO interim light heavyweight titleholder Callum Smith and Joshua Buatsi could top the card should Smith be promoted to full champion. He also listed other potential bouts that could feature.

“Denzel Bentley against George Liddard,” Hearn said. “Georgio Visioli against Louie O’Doherty. Lyndon Arthur against Ben Whittaker. Sam Noakes against Joe Cordina – obviously he's fighting Abdullah Mason. Johnny Fisher against Dillian Whyte. I mean it's never ending. There are literally 15 that we've outlined. So yeah lots to pick from.”

Unless Smith has got too old and inactive, he'll win. He's been a far better boxer than Buatsi as a pro.

A Hutchinson/Parker rematch would be better for Buatsi or a fight with Yarde. Chelli is also there. Smith should be demanding Bivol, Benavidez, Khataev and Ramirez.

Smith glad for Buatsi firefight but doesn't want many more

The WBO recently ordered their light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol to defend his title against interim titlist Callum Smith.

The Ring titleholder has also been linked to a third fight with former undisputed champion Artur Beterbiev or a much-anticipated bout with former sparring partner David Benavidez, who holds titles at 175 and 200 pounds.

Should Bivol choose to pursue either of those options, he would have to vacate his WBO title and Smith would be automatically upgraded to full champion.

Last weekend, Smith's promoter Eddie Hearn suggested in that scenario, the 35-year-old's first defense could be a rematch with his old rival Joshua Buatsi on a proposed 7 vs. 7 promotional clash with Queensberry. The pair first met in February 2025 on the undercard of Bivol's undisputed light heavyweight title rematch against Beterbiev.

The fight was arguably the year's most technical war.

Both fighters boxed and fought, traded at close quarters and distance while having to prove their heart, stamina and desire. Smith won unanimously after a grueling 12 rounds that led the way for 'Fight of the Year' honors.

By the time the year-end awards were handed out, time passing meant high-profile fights like the outstanding Chris Eubank Jr-Conor Benn I and Abdullah Mason-Sam Noakes bouts were fresher in people's minds.

Smith and Buatsi received plenty of plaudits but didn't scoop the type of rewards they deserved.

"Yes, I think it probably should have got a bit of acknowledgement but I think with the Eubank-Benn fight, I think it was a little bit more hyped," Smith told The Ring earlier this year.

"If you put me and Buatsi at a sold-out football stadium, it probably gets a little bit more recognition. It was the show opener for a massive show, but probably didn't get the credit it probably deserved and the profile. I'm glad that I came out the winner rather than the loser, but a good, tough fight to be involved in. Full credit to Joshua."

Lots of fighters will look you in the eye and tell you they dream of being involved in the type of brutal fight pushing them to their mental and physical limits.

Those that do are either crazy, masochists or truth stretchers but Smith is none of the three. A smart, classy operator who possesses the inner steel and toughness required to be successful at the highest level, the Liverpudlian prefers to rely on his skills and boxing brain.

"When I first turned pro we got invited to the British Boxing Board awards. Carl Froch won the main award, Boxer of the Year, and I remember thinking I'd love to win that one day. Then, obviously there's Fight of the Year and I'd be a liar if I said I'd love to win that one day ... I always want to get it and out as easy as possible," laughed Smith.

He did win the prestigious BBBofC Fighter of the Year award in 2019, backing up a career-best stoppage of George Groves the previous year with Ring/WBA championship defenses against Hassan N'Dam N'Jikam and John Ryder.

"I'd watch those fights, I wouldn't want to be involved in them. I was, it's been and done now but don't want too many more of them."

If the situation calls for it, Smith will automatically dig down and do whatever it takes to win but if he finishes his career without adding a Fight of the Year award to his bulging trophy cabinet, he won't shed a tear.

"I'm happy we played our parts and it was a great fight. Whenever I see people nowadays, it's probably the first thing that gets mentioned. It's good to get recognition for that but don't want to be in too many of them."