Wladimir Klitschko maintains that a rematch clause existed in the contract he signed prior to his Wembley clash with Anthony Joshua.
The 41-year-old would not rule out the chances of seeing an immediate rematch with ‘AJ’ after their 11-round slugfest on Saturday night which ended with referee David Fields saving Klitschko from any further damage after being dropped twice in quick succession late on.
“Of course, we have it in the contract, I’m right now interested,” Klitschko told Sky Sports of a potential rematch.
“Analyse what the heck has happened. I did enjoy the night as well as you.”
The International Boxing Federation has insisted that they’re unaware of any such rematch clause in the bout agreement but, given the entertaining nature of one of the greatest heavyweight fights in decades, fans would not be averse to the idea of witnessing Joshua vs. Klitschko II.
Joshua is open to fighting the Ukrainian again if that’s the route Klitschko decides to take but ‘AJ’ reckons that certain parties – namely Klitschko’s brother, Vitali, and partner, actress Hayden Panettiere – will stand in the way of the rematch being booked.
“I think he (Wladimir) will want to have a rematch because a fighter is the last one who knows when it is time to stop,” Joshua said, with quotes appearing on BoxingScene.com. “But I think the team around him, i.e. his fiancée – and they normally wear the trousers – and his brother. They will advise him differently.
“I have the ultimate respect for him inside and outside of the ring. I wouldn’t mind fighting him again if he wants the rematch. It’s up to him. I don’t mind as long as my trainer Rob McCracken thinks it’s good to go, I’ll go.”
There was nothing but mutual respect on show between Joshua and Klitschko in the wake of their Wembley war, and the former long-time champion of the world displayed typical class with his post-fight message to his opponent.
Really enjoyed the fight, I hope you did too. Thank you for your amazing support. I can truly feel it. Respect&congrats to @anthonyfjoshua
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) April 30, 2017
Tyson Fury thinks he’s next in line but if a rematch is to be, we certainly won’t be complaining.
