The most anticipated rematch in recent heavyweight history has taken another big step forward. Promoter Eddie Hearn spoke recently with iFL tv and basically gave the green light.
“Looks like it’s going to happen,” said Hearn.
The WBA haven given Joshua permission to skip mandatory challenger Victor Ortiz. The promoter is hopeful that the IBF will do the same with Kubrat Pulev, IBF’s mandatory challenger.
“There’s the IBF convention this week, we’ve put in a ‘special exception request’ to fight Klitschko next. The WBA is a little bit more clear, we’ll be allowed an exception request, whether we’re allowed one with the IBF, I think we’re favourite but we’re not a shoo-in,” told Hearn.
Apparently the latest from Wladimir Klitschko’s people is that they want to move forward with the second clash.
“We want to fight Klitschko next and the noise from Klitschko’s camp is – that’s what’s going to happen, the indication we have had from the Klitschko camp is that this fight will happen again. We’re looking into the numbers, where it’s going to take place, the date it’s going to take place, and that’s all going to be discussed over the next few weeks.”
Although there is still a chance that the IBF might rule in Pulev’s favor. Sauerland, Pulev’s promoter, have objected the ‘special exception’ request. Hearn stated that they will deal with all mandatory challengers.
“The Klitschko fight will more than likely happen, but if not, then it’s Pulev. Kalle Sauerland is Pulev’s promoter, we have an open link there but Kalle Sauerland is representing Pulev, he wants Pulev to fight Joshua. They have objected to the IBF request, as they should and we’ll see how they rule. But I’ll say again, we can not escape the Pulev fight, we are having the Pulev fight, whether that is next, or the one after. I want him to be the undisputed champ and that means winning all the belts, but again, as I’ve always stressed, I won’t let the belts and the politics get in the way of Anthony’s progression. So hopefully we can deal with our mandatories and be in the super-fights,” Hearn said.