Joshua, Klitschko rematch set for October
London: Welsh rugby could have an impact on Anthony Joshua’s next move with scheduled autumn internationals putting the boot into the initial plans for a
November return.
It is looking highly likely that the IBF and
WBA heavyweight champion will face
Wladimir Klitschko in an immediate rematch after their enthralling classic at Wembley last month. Klitschko, who dropped Joshua in the sixth but was stopped himself in the 11th, is expected to trigger the rematch clause in the initial fight contract with a return in the process of being organised.
A post-war record crowd of 90,000 packed into the national stadium to watch the fight but staging an outdoor clash in the autumn is more problematic. As such, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff is considered the frontrunner to host the rematch, should it take place in the UK, because of the retractable roof.
But, with Wales in action at home for four consecutive weekends across November and December, promoter Eddie Hearn has earmarked October 28 as the most viable date for a fight in the Welsh capital.
He said: “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.
“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.”-