2025-09-08 12:01:36

Anthony Joshua has said he would face Moses Itauma “in a heartbeat” – but only if a world title was at stake.

The 35-year-old boxer has been linked with a potential bout against Moses, who at just 20 is widely tipped for heavyweight greatness.

Moses has struggled to find opponents willing to risk their records against him, having knocked out Dillian Whyte, 37, in a single round in his most recent fight.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told Sky Sports: “AJ, his decision would be completely different. He would probably be bang up for fighting Moses. He’d find that exciting and if there was a chance to fight Moses for the world heavyweight title, we’d take it in a heartbeat.”

Joshua has acted as something of a mentor to Moses, with the pair training under coach Ben Davison. Frank Warren, who promotes Moses, has said he doubts the two men will ever meet in the ring.

He told reporters: “I’d do that (fight) tomorrow. It isn’t going to happen. First of all they’ve got the same trainer.”

Eddie also expanded on the challenges of making the fight.

He added: “I don’t really look at the Moses fight and think that’s a fight for AJ. There’s many reasons for that. One, what do you gain out of it? Moses is a very good fighter.

“If you win you’ve beat up a 20-year-old. If you lose you’ve lost to a 20-year-old and your career’s over. It’s a dangerous fight, I rate Moses very highly.”

Joshua has not fought since suffering a knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois, 28.

He subsequently underwent elbow surgery during the summer.

Talks of a fight with Jake Paul fell through after he announced a 14 November exhibition with Gervonta Davis.

Joshua is now expected to return to the ring in early 2026 for a warm-up fight before targeting Tyson Fury, who has hinted at a comeback following his retirement in January.

Moses is scheduled to fight again in December.

Eddie said: “I think that Moses has a lot of work to do. He’s an extraordinary talent but we have no idea if he can tick the boxes that are required to be a true great and a true champion in the division. What’s his chin like? What’s it like when it gets really tough in the trenches?

“Now he could tick all those boxes, I’m not questioning those, but you’ve got to show them and we’ve seen it (go wrong) over the years time and time again.

“The reality is, Moses hasn’t fought anyone really yet. I want to see Moses against (Agit) Kabayel, against (Martin) Bakole, against Jarrell Miller.

“Someone who can stand up to him, take him four, five, six rounds and then ask some questions. Moses is going to be a world heavyweight champion… but I would take it a little bit slower.”

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