Klitschko injury rules him out of Joshua clash
Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 54 KOs) has suffered an injury that will rule him out of a world title fight against Britain's Anthony Joshua (17-0, 17 KOs) in December.
Joshua, who is scheduled to defend his IBF title at the Manchester Arena on December 10, will face a replacement opponent after Klitschko's injury, reported to be to his calf.
The IBF champion was ready to fight the Ukrainian after Tyson Fury pulled out off his rematch with Klitschko and vacated the WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.
Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn claimed that all the terms were agreed for the clash before Klitschko stalled when it became unclear if the WBA would sanction the bout as a unification fight. The super-fight could now take place next year in March or April.
"We've been in deep negotiations for a few weeks now waiting on the decision from the WBA," said Hearn. "I was made aware that Wladimir picked up a minor injury late last week but regardless of that, with just over six weeks to go until December 10, it's unrealistic to put together a fight of this magnitude and give it the full build up it deserves.
"There will be an official announcement on Joshua v Klitschko coming very soon but for now we are seeking a new foe for December 10 and building a huge card for Manchester.
"We decided with Bernd Boente (Klitschko's promoter) let's get this over the line now for March or April.
"Fans will hopefully get something official this week. The WBA are supposed to give their decision today (Monday) or tomorrow but I believe that is going to be positive for Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko. Once that is, I think we'll move forward and sign terms this week.
"We'll announce that fight for the spring and we'll be able to give it the build-up it deserves. We'll probably take it to a stadium as well but for now everything is fixed on December 10."
Joshua's opponent on December 10 could be countryman David Price, Bulgaria's Kubrat Pulev or American Eric Molina.
Meanwhile fellow Brit David Haye looks set to face the winner of Joseph Parker and Andy Ruiz Jnr, who meet for the WBO belt, also on December 10.