The biggest rematch in recent heavyweight history is starting to become a reality according to Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn. He is fairly certain Wladimir Klitschko will use his option to fight a second time against Joshua and Hearn is now looking to book a venue.
“I believe Klitschko will go ahead with the rematch so we are looking at dates. The Principality Stadium is not really available in November because of rugby so 28 October is the option. Most of December is available but I don’t really want to go that late,” Hearn told in a recent interview with Declan Taylor.
Both fighters suffered minor injuries during their first meeting but Hearn believes they will be ready come late October.
“Josh has a bit of a sore shoulder, Klitschko has had a tough fight, his face was bashed up. You have got two more weeks in May, all of June and after that they will be thinking ‘right let’s get back in camp’. Even if you started back in camp in August, then you have September and October so end of October can work. For Cardiff that date is an option and also December but I don’t really want to go into December so we are looking at the MGM in Las Vegas, China and Dubai as options too,” said Hearn.
Last week it was also announced that the IBF has demanded Joshua to defend his title against mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev next. Hearn has been in talks with Kalle Sauerland, Kubrat’s promoter, and is positive that a deal can be worked out between both parties.
“We are probably going to put a [mandatory] exception request in to fight Klitschko. Then it’s up to the IBF whether they grant it. One of the things that is important is that if Sauerland object to that – but if Joshua stripped of the title then Pulev would have to fight Carlos Takam for the vacant belt. Sauerland don’t want to object. I speak to Kalle Sauerland all the time so I’m confident it will get worked out. We are presuming Klitschko wants the rematch and that is what I believe. I believe he will.”