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Home » Joshua v Klitschko: Four-belt battle tantalizes following Fury pull-out

Joshua v Klitschko: Four-belt battle tantalizes following Fury pull-out

As Klitschko was in training to fight anyway on October 29 in Manchester, and with Anthony Joshua looking for an opponent for a date one month later at the same venue, surely enquires must be made to put the two together.

Hearn was about to settle for a clash between Joshua and mandatory Joseph Parker for his ‘Night of the Heavyweights’ show, although ideally wanted the New Zealander on the undercard in order to build the fight up.

What better way to keep that plan than to pit IBF belt holder Joshua against a massive name in Klitschko with the WBA, WBO and IBO titles potentially added into the bargain.

Fury faces being stripped of his championships for failing to defend for a year, whilst Klitschko was promised an immediate shot in his contract for their first fight. That means the WBO, WBA and IBO may be forced to act and allow ‘Dr. Steelhammer’ to contest the belts in his next fight.

Joshua v Klitschko has always been on Hearn’s mind for the future had he avenged the November loss to Fury, whilst recent developments would allow the Matchroom boss to make the fight in three months’ time.

The timescale involved may be the only stumbling block for Hearn as the fight may have been better off having more than 12 weeks to prepare for, but on the upside, the encounter doesn’t need any selling and would be an instant hit with fans.

Parker could then be once again pitted against the rejuvenated David Price in the Manchester Arena co-feature, with both winners then setting up another huge showdown in March of next year.

Over to you Mr. Hearn…