Wladimir Klitschko is set to clash with Tyson Fury on October 24th, but it appears ‘Dr Steelhammer’ has another British Heavyweight in his sights. That fighter is Anthony Joshua – a young, hungry wrecking machine who could well challenge Klitschko in 2016/17.
If Joshua gets past Dillian Whyte, that is. And, if Klitschko continues to fight beyond this year.
The 39-year-old WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO champ recently told Sky Sports he’s interested in making the trip to see Joshua vs Whyte on December 12th. The domestic grudge match will be held at the O2 Arena, London, and should be a sellout given Matchroom Boxing’s promotional powers.
We can expect the Joshua promoter to push the fact that Whyte knocked down Joshua twice en route to a decision victory back when the pair fought on the Amateur circuit. And by push, I mean a lot.
“I know both the fighters since they were in the training camp,” Klitschko said. “I didn’t know that they fought as amateurs and I know there is a lot of energy and dislike of each other before the fight. It makes people want to watch it.”
“… I’m not going to the fights a lot but that fight, I might make time and come over. It’s going to be interesting and entertaining.”
If Klitschko is seen at ringside, his presence can only further build interest in Joshua vs Whyte. And, should Tyson Fury lose to Klitschko next month, it will also give Fury a chance to get in Klitschko’s face and demand a rematch.
Just spit-balling here. I can see Fury standing over a seated Klitschko, and Klitschko, well, just acting unfazed like he often does at press conferences.
The unbeaten Joshua will enter the ring with 14 wins, 14 knockouts, and unbeaten Whyte 16 wins, 13 knockouts. But who wins Joshua vs Whyte, fight fans? And will either get a crack at Klitschko before he retires?
Mark Phillips is the Head Staff Writer/Assistant Editor at BoxingBase.com, and provides worldwide news, coverage and analysis – he can be reached via our Contact Page.
