Joshua and Klitschko. Press Association Press Association

A WORLD TITLE fight between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko won’t take place in 2016 after the Ukrainian fighter picked up a calf injury.

Talks had taken place to set up a showdown between the pair in Manchester on 10 December for Joshua’s IBF title and possibly the vacant WBA belt after Klitschko’s rematch with Tyson Fury was called off on two occasions.

However, an injury to the 40-year-old in training means there is no chance of them meeting until next year at the earliest.

Joshua’s plan is to find a new opponent for the December date, according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

“We’ve been in deep negotiations for a few weeks now waiting on the decision from the WBA,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

I was made aware that Wladimir picked up a minor injury late last week but regardless of that, with just over six weeks to go til 10 December it’s unrealistic to put together a fight of this magnitude and give it the full build up it deserves.

“There will be an official announcement on Joshua v Klitschko coming very soon but for now we are seeking a new foe for 10 December and building a huge card for Manchester.”

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