Hearn Hoping For Joshua vs Klitschko, But, When?

Following the withdrawal of Tyson Fury for as-of-yet undisclosed medical reasons, the rematch between he and Wladimir Klitschko is now not going to go ahead. There has been an awful lot of speculation regarding the belts held by Fury at this moment in time, and, even more over possible opponents for Klitschko now he doesn’t have a fight lined up.

Step in Eddie Hearn, who, is set to announce later this week who Anthony Joshua’s next bout is for November 26th. With this in mind, it does seem rather unlikely that with an opponent already lined up for Joshua - they would then try and replace said yet-to-be-announced-opponent with Klitschko.

Talking to Sky Sports News whilst at today’s press conference for Dillian Whyte vs Ian Lewison for the British Heavyweight Title, Hearn states "That’s the plan at the moment." when asked about the possibility of makng Joshua Klitshcko happen in November.

What was interesting was his choice of words when talking of "timing" in the sport, and having to make the most of opportunities when they arise in this unexpected manner.

Whilst it seems highly unlikely with all the bumps in the road from the collapse of Fury vs Klitschko, it feels as though the fight would be much more realistically made next year. Considering the several possible outcomes regarding Fury’s belts, a fight with Klitschko could well see the Ukrainian coming into the hypothetical bout in 2017 holding his belts again. So rather than a defence of Joshua’s title this year, it would be turned into a huge unification bout, within a year.

We will first have to wait to see how the situation with Fury pans out amongst the governing bodies, but, either way a bout in 2017 would surely provide a more sensible timing, and, spectacle for the sport.