As it has been reported before, Wladimir Klitschko won’t accept just any kind of rematch against Anthony Joshua. The Ukrainian wants something unforgettable and big. Eddie Hearn has said that it’s Klitschko who gets to say the last word.
The former world heavyweight champion has stated said that Cardiff and other UK venues are not on his wish-list. It has to be abroad.
“Vegas is the front runner. The next two weeks will settle it. I believe Klitschko will do it if it’s abroad, but I don’t think he wants to box in Cardiff. I think he feels like he’s done that,” said Hearn in an interview with the Mirror.
There has also been a lot of talk about organising the event in Nigeria, Joshua’s mother’s homeland. But it’s most likely going to happen in Las Vegas.
“After speaking to Wladimir’s manager Bernd Boente I really get the feeling that Wladimir wants a special worldwide event for any rematch not just ‘How much money is it? OK, let’s do it’. I think that Vegas would be great for British boxing because they don’t really get the intense atmosphere at fights and we could take that atmosphere with us. And speaking selfishly from my own point of view, to create a huge fight in Vegas is on my bucket list as well. I don’t think AJ has a preference, of course, he is of Nigeria heritage but logistically fighting there is a much tougher job than Vegas,” told Hearn to The Sun.
If for some reason Klitschko is not happy with the offer and a deal cannot be reached, Joshua will fight mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev.
“If we don’t fight him, it will be Pulev on October 28 in Cardiff.”