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The Wladimir Klitschko vs Anthony Joshua heavyweight title bout isn’t a done deal yet. But according to promoter Eddie Hearn, it could be finalized and announced next week:
DECEMBER DATE? @AnthonyFJoshua and @Klitschko deal moves closer and could be done this week, says @EddieHearn… https://t.co/D90OqRuxNG pic.twitter.com/KIYl4RE6IX
— Sky Sports Boxing 👊 (@SkySportsBoxing) October 7, 2016
A December Affair
Ever since the fallout of the Wladimir Klitschko vs. Tyson Fury rematch, the former heavyweight champion has set his eyes on current IBF heavyweight kingpin Anthony Joshua. The two have been negotiating for weeks and have even come up with a tentative December 10th date for their colossal showdown.
While both camps admit that no deal has been struck yet, the willingness of both sides to take the fight has given Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn a lot of optimism in the coming week. Said Hearn on Friday:
“We’re in a great position right now. Maybe my smile gives things away but, fingers crossed, next week you’ll have some news that will blow your mind.”
Hearn was supposed to announce Joshua’s next opponent this week but after the opportunity to fight Klitschko presented itself, they have since deferred the announcement in the hopes of landing the bigger fight.
Taking A Detour
Joshua was all but set to face Joseph Parker, his mandatory challenger in March of 2017 after a voluntary defense this November 26th. But with the recent development in the Tyson Fury saga, the 2012 Olympic Gold medalist has chosen to take the detour and examine the possibility of facing Klitschko ahead of his original plan.
Joshua’s been impressive so far in the pros with a perfect 17-0 record with 17 KOs. But although he’s won two title bouts already, he’s never faced an opponent in the caliber of Klitschko. Knocking out Charles Martin and Dominic Breazeale were exciting but the two are nowhere near the skill and experience of a Wladimir Klitschko.
Initially Joshua wanted to gain more experience before challenging Klitschko, but with Tyson Fury knocking himself out of the heavyweight title picture, the Klitschko-Joshua bout is the fight boxing fans are wanting to see happen soon.
What Are The Odds?
Should the fight happen, Joshua would be a -110 favorite against Klitschko’s +110 via oddschecker.com. AJ’s youth, size, speed and power may be too much for the much older Klitschko. Having said that though, Klitschko may have looked his age against Fury but he dominated the heavyweight division with the second longest reign in history and many still believe that he still has the goods to return to the top a third time.
