Anthony Joshua wants the rematch, that much is clear.
As for Wladimir Klitschko… Well he needs a little bit of convincing.
For the first time in 13 years, Klitschko was stopped by an opponent when he was put away by Joshua in the 11th round of their Wembley showdown in April .
Following one of the greatest heavyweight contests in decades, calls for a rematch intensified quickly.
Not as convenient as Cardiff, TBF https://t.co/If602eTSEc
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) June 29, 2017
‘AJ’ welcomed running it back, given the lucrative nature of a second meeting with the Ukrainian legend but Klitschko is understandably more cautious because a second devastating defeat to a young buck might have serious implications on his legacy.
Initially it seemed like Joshua vs. Klitschko II was set for Cardiff later this year but the most recent update suggests that Las Vegas is now the most likely destination.
And Joshua has admitted that he hopes the allure of a clash in the fighting capital of the world will be enough to tempt the 41-year-old.
“He gained a lot of admiration and respect (at Wembley), even though he lost,” Joshua told Sky Sports.
“Vegas, it is the mecca of boxing and this is an opportunity.
Klitschko popped in to a new gym a fortnight ago https://t.co/gq1lWn5NyH
— JOE (@JOE_co_uk) June 1, 2017
“People wouldn’t mind travelling and it is a nice big hurrah for himself. He has achieved so much, does he have the motivation?
“I think Vegas will get his blood boiling again.”
The undefeated Joshua has made no secret of the fact that Klitschko is less eager for the rematch and needs to be persuaded to sign on the dotted line again.
But the London 2012 gold medallist and promoter Eddie Hearn are in the process of enticing ‘Dr Steelhammer’ to give it one last go.
“The last fight put the expectations on a pedestal but it was entertainment,” Joshua told Boxing News Online. “We can’t fight too many fights like that but regarding who I’m fighting, I’ve got two options.
“One is a rematch with Klitschko, and we’re waiting to see, and we’re trying to dangle a few carrots to make him bite and spark is interest again.
“The man has achieved great things throughout his career so it takes a lot for him to get motivated and interested again.”
