By Edward Chaykovsky

As BoxingScene.com previously reported, multiple sources in Germany are indicating that a potential fight between Wladimir Klitschko (64-4, 53KOs) and Lucas Browne (24-0, 21KOs) is being penciled in for December 10th at the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg, Germany - for the vacant WBA/IBO heavyweight titles.

Most fans were under the impression, until recently, that Klitschko would face IBF champion Anthony Joshua (17-0, 17KOs) on December 10, but in Manchester.

Eddie Hearn of Matchroom, who promote Joshua, thought a deal was practically done. He was stunned when Klitschko refused to sign the bout agreement, stating that he wasn't going to take that fight unless the WBA sanctioned the contest.

The WBA/WBO/IBO titles became vacant two weeks ago, when champion Tyson Fury dropped the three titles to begin treatment for his mental health problems.

Hearn is very frustrated with the situation, because he feels the WBA WOULD sanction the Joshua-Klitschko - but the ball is completely in Klitschko's court on who he wants to fight next.

"It's a frustrating time. We had a contract in place but Wladimir insisted that the WBA belt would be on the line, which was not something which he was too bothered about initially," Hearn told Sky Sports News HQ.

"Lots of rumours that he's now going to fight Lucas Browne in Germany on December 10, which would be a huge letdown for broadcasters and fans. We are awaiting on the WBA decision in terms of if they will sanction the fight between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko, which just doesn't sound right to me.

"It's the biggest fight in the heavyweight division right now. Why would you not sanction it? Maybe they are being driven by Wladimir Klitschko in terms of who he wants to fight."

In the opinion of Hearn, Klitschko may have second-guessed the fight after several people - including former Klitschko opponent David Haye - made firm predictions that Joshua would win the fight easily with a vicious knockout. Klitschko has also been inactive since last November, when he lost a twelve round decision to Fury.

"We're the IBF world champion, so we haven't really got the right to fight for the WBA world title, unless we fight someone that's in the mix there. It's kind of up to Wladimir Klitschko who he fights, whether he goes Lucas Browne or Anthony Joshua. All across social media, it's people pleading with Wladimir Klitschko and the WBA, and saying 'this is the fight we need to make in boxing'.

"It's so frustrating when you get an opportunity to make a fight like this and someone prefers an easy touch in Germany. Now I feel this is the time to make this fight and we're desperate to do it. But my gut feeling is that the Lucas Browne fight is the one they actually want. Maybe Klitschko listened to a few comments, including David Haye saying that this would be a brutal win for Joshua?

"I don't blame him, but it's very frustrating. Bottom line is, if Wladimir Klitschko wants this fight [with Joshua], it gets made."