Joshua set for Klitch rematch
ANTHONY JOSHUA will find out in two weeks if he is set for a blockbusting heavyweight rematch with Wladimir Klitschko.
Promoter Eddie Hearn is working on the fight, which would be worth more than last month’s £40m Wembley thriller.
Heavyweight champion Joshua is also set to retain the IBF belt if he faces the Ukrainian again, despite fears he could be stripped. But should Klitschko retire, then Joshua will face mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev, most likely at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff this autumn.
Klitschko, 41, is on holiday with his family and will decide his next move when he returns.
Hearn told Starsport: “If Klitschko comes back and
says he doesn’t want a rematch we will fight Pulev next, without a doubt.
“I spoke to Klitschko’s manager, Bernd Bonte, a few times.
“Bernd said Klitschko will have two weeks with his family and then he will make his mind up.
“I am looking at options now for the rematch while we wait for that decision because you have to have an idea on dates and possibilities.”
Hearn is in talks about the Principality Stadium, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and venues in China, Dubai and Qatar for the rematch.
The Matchroom chief added: “We are talking to China, we are talking to Dubai and Qatar, we are talking to America and the Principality Stadium.
“It would have to be an incredible deal to go to another country.
“We should know where we are going by the end of June.”
Bulgarian Pulev has to get a shot at the IBF title but Joshua is set to retain the belt even if a rematch with Klitschko is signed.
Hearn said: “We could try to get an exemption from the IBF.
“We have to fight Pulev at some stage. If Joshua doesn’t fight Pulev next, he will fight him after Klitschko.”