Tag Archives: Wladimir Klitschko

Boxing Rumors: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Anthony Joshua Arriving in December?

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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:

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.

Boxing News: Wladimir Klitschko vs. Tyson Fury Odds and Latest Updates

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The most awaited boxing rematch is off, again.

The October 29th, 2016 Heavyweight title bout between reigning boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury and former champion Wladimir Klitschko has been called off once again:

Medically Unfit To Fight

Sources say that Fury’s team notified Klitschko’s camp on Friday and even presented to the latter a letter from Fury’s doctor saying that the champ would be “unavailable for the forseeable future” because of mental health issues.

The fighters were supposed to rematch last July 9th but Fury also pulled out of that schedule after suffering an ankle injury during training. The second postponement is different as it may not be physical in nature and it has cast serious doubts on Fury’s future while raising serious questions on whether he should be stripped of his titles.

Severe Medical Condition

Fury’s management team, Hennessey Sports, confirmed the postponement late Friday and issued an official statement saying “medical specialists have advised that the condition is too severe to allow him (Fury) to participate in the rematch.” It also said that Fury will immediately undergo treatment in order to make a full recovery. No other details were given but Hennessey said they will give a full statement in due course.

Fury shocked the world when he beat Klitschko on points last November 2015, ending the latter’s long reign as heavyweight champion, But shortly after winning the titles, he was stripped of the IBF belt after refusing to fight his mandatory challenger. Last month, Fury was charged with a doping violation by the UKAD and a hearing has been set for November. Just a week ago, Fury failed to show up for a press conference related to the rematch. Fury alleged that he missed his appointment because his car broke. It remains to be seen what the sanctioning bodies will do to the belts he’s hostaged for nearly a year.

Fury opened as a -105 to Klitschko’s -125. But the odds evened to -115 when the venue was announced last April 8th. The current odds are a far cry from the -500 favorite Klitschko was during their first meeting. Fury’s age, mobility and size were among the key factors in their first bout. Although beaten like an old man during their first encounter, Klitschko exercised his rematch clause to get a shot at redemption and one more run at the heavyweight title.