VIVA LAS VEGAS

It’s Joshua v Klitschko: The rematch Hearn hits Strip for talks on MGM Grand superfight

ANTHONY JOSHUA’S rematch with Wladimir Klitschko is a step closer after the world champion’s team flew to Las Vegas to discuss staging the heavyweight showdown on The Strip.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn and business manager Freddie Cunningham have jetted out to the US, with Vegas now the firm favourite to host the rematch.

Hearn (right) and Cunningham are considering the iconic 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena for the fight, with November 11 or 18 as the most likely dates.

The pair are expected to meet Richard Sturm, head of MGM Grand Entertainment and Sport, to discuss staging the contest in the Garden Arena.

Hearn is trying to confirm Vegas after Klitschko told him that he would not fight the unbeaten Joshua, who holds the WBA Super and IBF heavyweight titles, in the UK after losing to him at Wembley. Klitschko rejected Hearn’s suggestion of fighting Joshua under the closed roof of Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on October 28.

The former world heavyweight king has told the Matchroom Sport MD he is only interested in a rematch if he can make it a spectacular event abroad.

Hughie Fury will be after Joshua if he can dethrone WBO champ Joseph Parker in their rearranged fight at Manchester Arena on September 23. The worldtitle fight will be the first in the Arena since May’s bomb attack.

Fury’s cousin, Tyson, held the belt before he relinquished it, due to mental health issues, and the traveller claims the pair will one day rule the heavyweight division.

“There’s no race to fight Joshua first,” said Fury at yesterday’s head-to-head with Parker in Manchester.

“We’re laid back about it. Whoever comes to each other first, me and Tyson will take. We’re both going to bash up everyone, full stop.

“We’re definitely going to rule the heavyweight division together.”