Boxing News: Joshua, Klitschko And Wilder Part Of Interesting Heavyweight 2017 Schedule

The biggest heavyweight fight of 2017 is less than one month away when Anthony Joshua faces Wladimir Klitschko for the vacant WBA (Super) and IBO heavyweight titles at Wembley Stadium in London. Joshua and Klitschko will be fighting in front of roughly 90,000 spectators, with most expected to be pulling for Joshua.

Joshua, who gained international attention for being a British-born gold medalist at the 2012 Olympics in London, is undefeated and looks poised to hold off the veteran Ukranian with his countrymen cheering him on at the iconic stadium. The 27-year-old only has 18 fights on his resume, with all victories coming by knockout. But the problem with Joshua's professional career is that most of his wins have been against lackluster competition.

Some might say that Klitschko, 41, had secured a tight victory over Tyson Fury in a painfully dull November 2015 fight, but the scorecards favored Fury in what turned out to be the famed champion's first loss in over 10 years. With the extended layoff and after his uninspired effort against Fury, there might be questions as to whether Klitschko can still compete at a high level.

Waiting in the distance is Deontay Wilder, who should be in line to face the winner at year's end. The bruising American is 38-0 and coming off a fifth-round technical knockout in February over Gerald Washington.

Stepping in the ring with Washington was not the ideal scenario for Wilder. The Alabama native was hoping to gain more international attention against a more established fighter, having previously been denied a big payday when his fight with Alexander Povetkin was canceled after the Russian tested positive for the banned substance meldonium.

Wilder once again proved he is still a rather raw fighter with windmill swings against Washington. But there are still hopes that a fight can come to fruition with the highly polished Povetkin, who is still a serious contender with his 30-1 record.

In a very weak division, Wilder has still been effective in holding off the best heavyweights while he waits for a shot at Joshua or Klitschko. Wilder has defeated Artur Szpilka, Johann Duhaupas, Eric Molina, as well as Bermane Stiverne. The four boxers had a combined career record of 101-7-1 entering their fights with Wilder.

What also remains intriguing is what will happen in 2017 with some of the lesser-known heavyweights, who may soon emerge as potential contenders in 2018 or 2019. Luis Ortiz (27-0) of Cuba faces Derric Rossy, while Joseph Parker (22-0) of New Zealand has a chance to climb in the field with a May bout with Hughie Fury, the cousin of Tyson Fury.

Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev (24-1), whose only loss came against Klitschko, will face journeyman Kevin Johnson on April 28.