It is looking highly likely that the IBF and WBA heavyweight champion will face Wladimir Klitschko in an immediate rematch after their enthralling classic at Wembley last month.
Klitschko, who dropped Joshua in the sixth but was stopped himself in the 11th, is expected to trigger the rematch clause in the initial fight contract with a return in the process of being organised.
As such, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff is considered the frontrunner to host the rematch, should it take place in the UK, because of the retractable roof that would easily contain over 90,000 expected guests.
But, with Wales fully booked with sporting events across November and December, promoter Eddie Hearn has ear-marked October 28 as the most viable date for a fight in the Welsh capital.
He said, “I believe Klitschko will go ahead with the rematch so we are looking at dates.
“The Principality Stadium is not really available in November because of rugby so 28 October is the option. Most of December is available but I don’t really want to go that late.
“Joshua has a bit of a sore shoulder, Klitschko has had a tough fight, his face was bashed up. You have got two more weeks in May, all of June and after that they will be thinking ‘right let’s get back in camp’.
“Even if you started back in camp in August, then you have September and October so end of October can work.”
Due to expected ticket demand for any rematch, it appears that Cardiff remains the only viable option should the fight be staged in the United Kingdom.
But Hearn is also exploring the option of staging the fight overseas, which would make the 28 October date more flexible and the likely destination may be in Las Vegas.
More updates to follow.
Sources: Time Magazine
