JAKARTA - Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua (AJ) is urged to sign a fight contract against Moses Itauma or Fabio Wardley in 2026.
Frank Warren of Queensberry Promotions, which oversees Itauma and Wardley, said that if Joshua wants to hunt for a world title, he needs to fight the fighters who currently hold the belts.
"If he really wants to fight, fight against Moses (Itauma), fight now. Fight against Fabio Wardley now. Sign tomorrow," Warren said as quoted by Talksport.
Joshua has just increased his global popularity and bank balance after carving out an easy knockout (KO) victory over Jake Paul this month in Miami, USA.
It was his first fight since suffering a defeat to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. However, the duel against Paul is considered one of the most lopsided fights in the history of boxing.
After the victory, AJ is rumored to be preparing for a big fight against Tyson Fury, which is planned to be held next summer in a big deal.
However, before that he will likely step into the ring in a warm-up fight first. In addition to Itauma and Wardley, several names have also been linked to Joshua, including kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven.
"If he agrees (to fight Itauma and Wardley), I'll come to his house. I'll go there right now. I'll go there at Christmas and finish the deal," said Warren.
A fight with Itauma seems highly unlikely in the near future. The reason is that the young star has set a date for his fight.
He is scheduled to face Joshua's former rival Jermaine Franklin on January 24, 2026, to gain more experience.
Thus, the most reasonable option for Joshua now is Wardley. The ambition to become a three-time heavyweight world champion makes AJ need to consider the clash.
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