After having had just 17 pro fights and having not yet gone past the 7th-round, it would be a huge gamble for Anthony Joshua to take on the ultra-experienced Wladimir Klitschko in his very next fight. But, because of the unfortunate Tyson Fury situation – what with Fury “lower than ever” and suffering from mental health problems – this is a gamble that could well be taken.
IBF heavyweight champ Joshua will box again on November 26, and promoter Eddie Hearn has been in touch with the Klitschko camp, asking them if the fight could happen. In all likelihood, it will not take place in November, but stranger things have happened and Joshua has said he’d like the fight – if not next then early next year. But is AJ ready for Klitschko?
In many ways, it would be a no-lose situation for the 26-year-old. If he lost to Wladimir, he would be young enough to come again and he would be applauded for having had the courage to take on such a great (if ageing) fighter. While if Joshua got the win, well…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4zZkDrjxPM
Joshua needs further development and experience says former king Lennox Lewis, and most people will almost certainly agree with Lewis. But Hearn seems keen for his star heavyweight to take the fight. Does Hearn perhaps feel Klitschko is ready to be taken, having not boxed in almost a year and having lost his last fight? With all the frustrations Klitschko has gone through with the on/off/on/off again Fury fight, Klitschko would possibly be ready to take out his anger on his next foe. Or maybe Klitschko will find himself fatigued, worn out even, in his next fight; having spent so much time focusing on and thinking about Fury. Klitschko though, a true pro, will not make any hasty decisions. Still, he is aching to fight again, so as to remove, at least partially, the memory of the dire night he had last November.
It really would be a huge gamble for Joshua, but the Klitschko fight, if he did take it, would certainly earn him plenty of respect – as well as an enormous payday. If it’s not Klitschko for Joshua next, it will likely be his mandatory, Joseph Parker. But if he doesn’t fight Joshua next, who might Klitschko face instead?
These are strange times for the heavyweight division.