Joshua vs. Klitschko - U.S. TV Deal By Month's End, Says Hearn

By Victor Salazar

New York - Budding Superstar Anthony Joshua (18-0, 18 KO’s) is on a scheduled collision course with the former reigning heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53 KO’s). The two are set to square off in April inside Wembley Stadium in the United Kingdom - with the IBF, IBO, WBA world titles at stake.

The stadium is expected to sold out and set up for 90,000 fans according to Matchroom Sports’ Eddie Hearn. 50,000 tickets were released and already sold out with a batch of 30,000 tickets to being released in the very near future.

While the event will be carried by Sky Sports Box Office in the United Kingdom, it still doesn't have a televised home in the United States. Both HBO Sports and Showtime Sports are bidding to secure the U.S. broadcast rights. Hearn is in a precarious situation as he built a strong relationship with Showtime, who have an exclusive deal with Joshua, while HBO has a long standing relationship with Klitschko.

And Hearn maintains a good relationship with Showtime Sports head Stephen Espinoza and Peter Nelson, who heads HBO Sports. A decision is expected before a planned New York press conference at the end of January. In the end it will come down to money.

“We’re talking,” Heard told BoxingScene.com. “Showtime have partnered up with Joshua and we want to stay loyal to that broadcast. Klitschko’s with HBO and I get along very well with Peter Nelson. It’s difficult. As always in boxing, it comes up to money. Both are showing great interest and we expect to have a deal soon."

Joshua can cement himself as one of the sport’s biggest stars with a victory over  Klitschko. The former champ has been out of the ring since he lost to Tyson Fury (25-0,18 KO’s) in November of 2015. Age and inactivity have many stating that Klitschko might be ripe for the taking. But Hearn feels Joshua’s style might play into Klitschko’s favor.

“Klitschko’s a very tough fight in my estimation,” said Hearn. “So people are saying now that Anthony’s a big favorite and that happens whenever I put Joshua in a tough fight. You’re talking about Klitschko. Fury is not Anthony Joshua. Fury has a more awkward style.  Joshua is going to stand in front of Klitschko and throw punches that might suit Klitschko more. It’s a true 50-50 fight.”