It is a fight that will thrill many in the boxing world. Anthony Joshua’s representatives have confirmed that talks about a heavyweight boxing bout with Wladimir Klitschko are at an advanced stage.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn stated that he is ’70 per cent sure’ that the fight can be delivered. This will be exciting news for boxing fans who will no doubt have been disappointed by the recent capitulation of Tyson Fury, the British WBA, WBO and IBO world champion (he confessed to taking cocaine and could lose his boxing licence).
Fury was due to have a rematch with Klitschko this July but the match has been blighted by postponements (by Fury). Recent negative press around the man from Morecambe, including sexist comments, also bring into question his ability to represent the sport of boxing honourably at the highest level.
26-year-old Joshua meanwhile has been a model statesman for the sport since he turned professional after winning gold at the 2012 London Olympic games. He is undefeated in his 17 professional matches, winning all by knockout, and recently defended his IBF title, defeating Dominic Breazeale earlier in the year at the O2 arena.
His meteoric rise up the heavyweight category will not have come as a surprise to many who have long recognised his talent. However, given his modest 17 professional fights compared to 40-year-old Klitschko’s 68, this will no doubt be his biggest test yet.
The Watford-born fighter has previously indicated a desire to fight in Africa and if he is able to defeat Klitschko, there will be greater calls from his fans across Africa for him to stage a fight on the continent and emulate the great Mohammed Ali.
Although Joshua can’t yet be spoken of in the same breath as Ali, he is no doubt building a strong reputation within boxing, which can only be further enhanced by defeating Klitschko.
Either way, we’re hooked on his social feeds.