HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING
Joshua-Klitschko fight on cards
WBA sanctioned Britain’s Anthony Joshua and former champion Wladimir Klitschko for a showdown in early 2017
London — A mouthwatering world heavyweight title showdown in early 2017 between Britain’s Anthony Joshua and former champion Wladimir Klitschko took a major step closer on Wednesday after the WBA sanctioned it. The exciting Joshua, 27, who won the IBF title in April after it was voluntarily vacated by troubled compatriot Tyson Fury, must first come through the defence of his belt against solid journeyman Eric Molina in December in Manchester. Joshua’s manager, Eddie Hearn, had originally hoped the Klitschko clash would take place in December but they had to wait on the WBA decision. Hearn acknowledged there was risk in taking on 34-year-old Molina, whose previous world title contest saw him push WBC holder Deontay Wilder to nine rounds in June 2015. "It’s been an arduous wait to gain official approval but we were delighted to receive the news that the WBA will officially sanction the fight between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko for the WBA super title," Hearn said. "We will n...
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