EDDIE HEARN has denied that a mega-fight between IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko is signed and sealed.
After Klitschko’s rematch with Tyson Fury was once again called off, Hearn contacted the Ukrainian’s team to try and match him with ‘AJ’, who fights on November 26 against an as yet unnamed opponent.
Stories emerged overnight claiming negotiations for a Joshua-Klitschko fight were complete and an announcement was imminent, however Hearn took to social media to quash those rumours.
“I’ve seen a lot of stuff talking about AJ and Klitschko saying that it’s done. It’s definitely not done,” he insisted.
“We are in talks with Team Klitschko and his manager Bernd Boente. I’m hopeful that the fight can be made if everything works out.
“On AJ, we’re working hard and we hope to have some news soon. I’ll update you when I can.”
Joshua’s original shortlist of opponents consisted of Bermane Stiverne, Kubrat Pulev and mandatory challenger Joseph Parker. The first two have been taken out of the running, leaving the unbeaten New Zealander as a serious option.
He risks his No 1 challenger status on Saturday when he fights Alexander Dimitrenko.
Joshua will defend his title at the Manchester Arena, and if Klitschko were to be in the other corner there would need to be another title on the line. Fury could potentially be stripped of his belts as he is ‘medically unfit’ to box, and if that were to happen Hearn has suggested one of them – most likely the WBA strap – could be up for grabs if Joshua were to fight Klitschko.
If it’s not Wladimir next for Joshua, it is almost surely going to be Parker – provided he gets past Dimitrenko.
