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16 Oct, 2016 16:12

Joshua and Klitschko agree to December date for title fight

Joshua and Klitschko agree to December date for title fight

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn says Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko have agreed to a fight, with final confirmation of the bout expected in the next few days.

The two heavyweights will face each other at Manchester Arena on December 10, with Joshua’s IBF belt and potentially the WBA and WBO titles on the line.

“The deal between the fighters is there. The financial terms are agreed, there was a problem with US broadcasters but that has been sorted,” Hearn told the BBC.

“It is now a case of getting the paperwork and the sanctioning in order. Hopefully in a couple of days we will have the official announcement.”

Britain’s Tyson Fury gave up his WBA and WBO belts last Wednesday and his boxing license was then suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control pending further investigation into his admission of drug use.

READ MORE: Tyson Fury voluntarily gives up world titles

Fury beat Ukraine’s Klitschko last November to win the WBA, IBF and WBO titles, but pulled out of scheduled rematches twice citing injury and medical issues.

It later emerged, however, that Fury had tested positive for cocaine use. His camp claims this was related to his ongoing battle with depression.

Unbeaten British star Joshua was originally set to defend his title on November 26 in Manchester, but will now face Klitschko two weeks later.

Former world champion David Haye thinks Joshua will send Klitschko into retirement.

“I definitely think the era of the Klitschkos will be over,” The Sun reported him as saying.

“Joshua has got him at the perfect time. Klitschko physically always looks the part and comes to the ring in shape but he is not the fighter he once was.

“And sometimes fighters are the last to realize it. I just hope he doesn’t get too bashed up.

“Joshua at 26 is too fresh, too young, too enthusiastic. Klitschko is just too old.”

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