Thursday 20 October 2016 21:49, UK
Promoter Eddie Hearn has urged Wladimir Klitschko to face Anthony Joshua in one of "the fights we need to make in boxing" rather than an "easy" opponent in Germany.
Reports have suggested Klitschko has lined up a fight against Lucas Browne for the WBA title in Hamburg on December 10, the same date as his proposed meeting with Joshua.
Hearn believes a Klitschko-Browne fight would be a "huge letdown" and has urged the 40-year-old to press ahead with an eagerly anticipated clash with Joshua, rather than a fight against the Australian.
"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.
"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."
The WBA is expected to announce its ruling in the next 24 hours but Hearn believes Klitschko will ultimately make the final decision on whether he takes the Joshua fight.
Hearn said: "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."
