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Anthony Joshua would accept huge fight with Moses Itauma – but only on one condition

Anthony Joshua is willing to fight friend and teammate Moses Itauma if it allows him to become a three-time heavyweight world champion.

Itauma and Joshua are both under the stewardship of boxing trainer Ben Davison currently, and have brushed shoulders in both sparring and while in respective camps.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury claim made ahead of Moses Itauma's showdown with Dillian Whyte

But the pair are on very different trajectories right now with 20-year-old Itauma ranked No.1 with the WBO and WBA after brutally knocking out Dillian Whyte.

The young prodigy is looking to put himself in position for world titles, whereas Joshua hasn't fought since losing his own title clash with Daniel Dubois last September.

Joshua has now been out of action for close to a year, but is plotting a comeback in 2026 as he searches for one last push for world honours.

Trainer Davison had previously suggested the pair will never cross paths competitively given their mutual respect and sharing of the same gym.

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AJ's promoter Eddie Hearn isn't too keen on a future bout, but believes Joshua would likely accept if it got him back to the top of the division.

He told Sky Sports: "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 if 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.

"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."

Itauma and Joshua were believed to never be keen on a fight due to their mutual trainer Ben Davison
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Itauma and Joshua were believed to never be keen on a fight due to their mutual trainer Ben DavisonCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
Joshua hasn't been a world champion since 2021, but would take on Itauma if the chance to reach the top again rose
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Joshua hasn't been a world champion since 2021, but would take on Itauma if the chance to reach the top again roseCredit: Getty

Joshua and Itauma will likely not meet in the imminent future, with priorities currently elsewhere for both gifted operators.

What is next for Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma?

Joshua has yet to confirm his next bout after losing to Dubois.

It was initially touted that he could return before the end of the year, with a commercial clash with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul being eyed.

But now that has fallen through, he could look elsewhere with a showdown against Tony Yoka in Africa being touted.

Whatever the scenario, it is likely it will be a tune-up fight before any significant push for world titles again.

As for Itauma, he is on a real career high and is pushing for his maiden shot at world honours.

Itauma is flying towards a world title shot right now - but isn't yet sure if he will challenge Usyk imminently
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Itauma is flying towards a world title shot right now - but isn't yet sure if he will challenge Usyk imminentlyCredit: Getty

It is expected he will now return for the third time of the year on December 13 in Manchester.

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An announcement is imminent for the young prodigy, who has been linked with the likes of Filip Hrgovic, Andy Ruiz Jr and Martin Bakole.

A fight with Usyk could come in 2026, but it will be dependent on Usyk's decision as for how long to continue his boxing career.

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