THE Anthony Joshua next fight negotiations have hit an expected stumbling block.
All the focus had been on matching IBF titlist Joshua with former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko. By the weekend a complication with the US television broadcaster had been resolved and terms had been agreed between the two sides although the deal was not signed. The only wait seemed to be seeing what world titles in addition to Anthony’s IBF belt would be on the line.
Now however it appears that if the WBA do not sanction the fight for their world heavyweight title, Wladimir Klitschko could walk away from the fight, which was expected to take place on December 10 in Manchester.
“Both teams have written to the WBA to request sanctioning of our fight, but Wladimir wants the WBA belt to be on the line so until that is approved we cannot move forward,” promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports.
“We expect news in the next few days, but in the meantime I believe both sides will look at alternative options for December 10 while we hope to get the news we need to make the fight happen.”
Joshua’s side would take the fight even if was only his IBF title on the line. A decision is expected over the coming days.
