Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has called on Tyson Fury to face undefeated prospect Moses Itauma for his planned August return to the ring. Speaking to talkSPORT Boxing on June 1, Joshua suggested that Fury should take the same advice he previously offered others regarding the rising 21-year-old southpaw.
While Joshua has finalized a July 25 bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia, Fury continues to search for an opponent for his upcoming comeback fight.
The exchange highlights a specific tension between the two British heavyweights as they navigate parallel paths toward a potential meeting later this year. Joshua noted that both Fury and Itauma are represented by Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions. This shared promotional tie, Joshua argues, makes a deal for Fury to fight the prospect incredibly straightforward if the “Gypsy King” is serious about the young fighter’s credentials.
Itauma has rapidly ascended the rankings, currently holding a professional record of 14 wins and 0 losses, with 12 of those victories coming by way of knockout. He most recently stopped Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round on March 28, 2026, marking the first time Franklin had been finished in his career.
This followed a dominant first-round technical knockout of Dillian Whyte in Riyadh last August, where Itauma claimed the Commonwealth heavyweight title.
Anthony Joshua challenges Tyson Fury over Moses Itauma’s availability
Joshua’s comments served as a sharp response to Fury’s previous suggestions that the Londoner should have tested himself against Itauma rather than seeking alternative opponents. Joshua believes that if the fight is good enough for him, it should be a viable option for Fury’s August warm-up as well.
“If he’s fighting before me, why not fight Itauma?” Joshua asked, pointing out that the fights are “easy to be made” under Warren’s banner.
But the logistical ease of the fight does not necessarily translate to interest from the Fury camp. Joshua challenged his rival to “step forward” and prove his standing rather than commenting on other fighters’ schedules. The tension also involves contractual disputes that have stalled previous domestic mega-fights, making the simple promotional link between Fury and Itauma a point of public leverage for Joshua.
Tyson Fury has previously responded to calls for an Itauma fight with caution, reportedly “slamming” Joshua for even suggesting he should enter such “reckless territory.” In late 2025, Fury dismissed the idea entirely, asking, “You think I’m stupid?” He emphasized that he would prefer a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk or other veteran names over risking his status against a dangerous 21-year-old powerhouse.
Moses Itauma’s rapid climb through the heavyweight rankings
The statistics surrounding Moses Itauma explain why established heavyweights are hesitant to share the ring with him. The 6-foot-4 southpaw boasts an 86% knockout ratio and has averaged only 2.2 rounds per fight across his 31 professional rounds boxed. Beyond the Commonwealth title, he also holds the WBO Intercontinental and WBA International belts, proving he is far more than a local prospect.
His standing with the major sanctioning bodies is already elite. Itauma is currently ranked 1st by both the WBA and the WBO, putting him in a prime position for world title contention.
He also sits at 3rd with the WBC and 5th with the IBF, while also moving into 6th place in The Ring magazine’s heavyweight ratings. Frank Warren has indicated he intends for the youngster to fight for a world title as early as 2027.
Potential August return against Filip Hrgovic
While an official opponent has not been announced, reports suggest Itauma is expected to return to the ring on August 29, 2026. One name frequently mentioned as a potential opponent is Filip Hrgovic, the former mandatory challenger. If this matchup materializes, it would represent a massive step up in class and could serve as a final hurdle before a mandatory world title shot.
For Tyson Fury, an August warm-up fight is viewed as the necessary springboard to face Joshua later in 2026. Joshua has already settled his immediate plans, with his bout against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga relocated to the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia. The pressure is now on Fury to select an opponent who can compete with the narrative of Joshua’s challenging call-out.
Joshua shifts the narrative of heavyweight risk
By naming Itauma, Joshua has effectively pivoted the discussion surrounding “gatekeepers” and “rising stars.” If Fury declines a fight with a stablemate whom he once praised, it allows Joshua to question the sincerity of Fury’s matchmaking advice. This psychological warfare is typical of the build-up to any clash between Fury and Joshua, which remains one of the most lucrative sights in boxing.
The reality is that Itauma may be too dangerous for either man to face while a massive head-to-head payday is still on the table. Trainers and promoters often protect aging champions from “hungry young lions” like the 21-year-old southpaw. For now, Itauma remains the division’s boogeyman, used by established stars to needle one another while the youngster carves out his own path toward the belts.
Whether Fury takes the bait or chooses a more traditional opponent for August, the spotlight on Itauma continues to grow. Joshua’s challenge has ensured that whatever name Fury eventually lands on will be measured against the prospect he told Joshua to face. The ball is now in the Queensberry camp’s court to respond to the former champion’s direct provocation.
