Only on one condition would Anthony Joshua accept a huge fight with Moses Itauma

The heavyweight boxing world is buzzing with speculation after reports surfaced that Anthony Joshua would be open to fighting rising star Moses Itauma. However, there’s one important caveat: Joshua insists he would only accept the bout if it were for the world heavyweight title.

The potential matchup brings intrigue, given the dynamic between the two fighters. Itauma, at just 20 years old, is already ranked No.1 with the WBO and WBA after demolishing Dillian Whyte. Joshua, on the other hand, is a former two-time heavyweight champion who is plotting a return after his defeat to Daniel Dubois in 2024.

Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma: Same Gym, Different Journeys

Both Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma are currently trained under the guidance of respected coach Ben Davison. That relationship means the two often cross paths, whether sparring in the gym or preparing in respective training camps.

Despite their shared environment, their careers are on very different timelines:

• Moses Itauma: Undefeated, young, and hungry, already being called one of the brightest prospects in heavyweight boxing. He’s 20 years old, holds a perfect professional record, and is pushing rapidly toward a world title shot.

• Anthony Joshua: At 36 years old, Joshua is searching for one last climb back to the top. Having been out of the ring since his loss to Daniel Dubois, he’s eyeing a comeback in 2026.

This contrast in career stages makes talk of a head-to-head clash particularly intriguing—but also complex.

Eddie Hearn: The Risk and Reward of Joshua vs Itauma

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently addressed the speculation during an interview with Sky Sports. While he acknowledged Itauma’s talent, he made clear that the fight carries serious risks for Joshua.

“I don’t really look at the Moses fight and think that’s a fight for AJ,” Hearn admitted. “There are many reasons for that. One, what do you gain out of it? Moses is a very good fighter. If you win, you’ve beaten 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.”

Hearn added that while he may be reluctant, Joshua himself would probably embrace the challenge if it came with the incentive of becoming a three-time heavyweight world champion.

“AJ’s 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.”

The One Condition: A World Title on the Line

So, would Anthony Joshua fight Moses Itauma? The answer is yes—but only if it allows Joshua to reclaim a world championship.

Joshua has made it clear that at this stage of his career, every fight must have significant stakes. Taking on a rising 20-year-old without a belt on the line would do little for his legacy. However, if Itauma holds a world heavyweight title in the near future, the fight could become one of the most high-profile matchups in boxing.

This condition also relieves some of the tension around fighting a stablemate. Facing off against a friend and training partner isn’t ideal, but for the chance to become a three-time champion, Joshua is prepared to make that sacrifice.

What’s Next for Anthony Joshua?

Joshua has been out of action since September 2024, when he suffered defeat against Daniel Dubois in a title clash. Since then, his career has been in a holding pattern, with speculation swirling about his next opponent.

At one point, a commercial clash with Jake Paul was being considered, but talks fell apart. Another possible matchup being discussed is a showdown with Tony Yoka in Africa.

Given his long absence from the ring, Joshua’s next fight will likely serve as a tune-up bout, preparing him for a final push toward championship contention in 2026.

What’s Next for Moses Itauma?

In contrast to Joshua’s pause, Moses Itauma is in full stride. After knocking out Dillian Whyte in brutal fashion, he now sits as the WBO and WBA No.1 contender. The heavyweight prodigy is on the brink of a world title opportunity.

Names being linked to Itauma’s next fight include:

• Filip Hrgovic – a seasoned contender with big-fight experience.

• Andy Ruiz Jr. – the former unified heavyweight champion.

• Martin Bakole – another dangerous operator in the division.

Itauma’s ultimate goal appears to be a clash with Oleksandr Usyk, but much will depend on how long the Ukrainian champion continues his career. A potential Itauma vs Usyk fight in 2026 has been teased, but nothing is set in stone.

Could Joshua vs Itauma Happen in the Future?

While both fighters are currently on separate tracks, the idea of Joshua vs Itauma remains a realistic possibility. For that to happen, three things would need to align:

1. Itauma must win a world title. This would provide the stakes necessary for Joshua to take the fight.

2. Joshua must return successfully. His comeback in 2026 must show he is still capable of competing at the elite level.

3. The promoters must agree. With both fighters under Ben Davison’s camp, careful management would be needed to ensure fairness and professionalism.

If all these factors align, the fight could be billed as a generational clash—the experienced former champion against the hungry young lion.

The Legacy Factor

For Anthony Joshua, the prospect of becoming a three-time world champion is the driving force. Such an achievement would place him among the greats of the modern heavyweight era. Fighting Moses Itauma for a world title would not just be about legacy, but also about proving that Joshua can still compete with the new wave of elite fighters.

For Moses Itauma, a potential clash with Joshua would be career-defining. Defeating a two-time heavyweight champion and global superstar would instantly elevate his reputation from rising prodigy to established world-class fighter.

Conclusion: A Fight That Could Define Two Careers

The idea of Anthony Joshua vs Moses Itauma may seem distant, but it’s far from impossible. With Itauma’s rapid rise and Joshua’s determination to return to the top, the two could very well meet in the ring—but only if a world title is at stake.

Joshua’s one condition highlights both the risks and the rewards of such a matchup. For now, both fighters have separate priorities, but the boxing world will be watching closely to see if their paths converge.

If it happens, it won’t just be a fight—it will be a clash of eras, experience versus youth, legacy versus ambition.