Guido Vianello has made an offer to fight Anthony Joshua in 2026 after his brutal KO win over Alexis Barriere.
Joshua has yet to make a comeback since being brutally stopped by British rival Daniel Dubois last September, due to injury.
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Vianello scored a brutal KO in his latest bout and instantly sent a message to JoshuaCredit: Emma Brawley / Matchroom Boxing
But the Briton is now back in training and is ready to return with several offers being made to secure his services for a comeback fight.
As a result, AJ has been inundated with call-outs since announcing his plans to return.
Arslanbek Makhmudov made a plea to Joshua for a fight at the weekend after outboxing Dave Allen, but the bout appears unlikely.
Now it is Vianello, a recent conqueror of Makhmudov, who has made his own plea to Joshua.
The Italian fought on the undercard of Jaron Ennis’ victory over Uisma Lima.
And he crushed previously unbeaten Barriere flat on his back with a chopping right hand, which brought a halt to the contest in the fifth round.
Shortly after his devastating KO, the hard-hitting former Olympian had Joshua on his mind.
He shouted: “Now I want a big name.
“You want to know what big name I want? Anthony Joshua. I want Anthony Joshua.
“I want him in front of me. Let’s fight in Rome, in The Coliseum, in London – whatever you want.
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It is unclear if Joshua would accept the bout but he has yet to declare his next opponentCredit: Getty
“But give me a big name, please. I’m 31, I don’t have extra time, I want to win now.”
Vianello’s form has been a mixed bag since turning over as a professional.
And he is currently ranked in the top 15 with just one governing body, the IBF, so is unable to provide Joshua with any significant route to the title.
But Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn suggested a warm-up fight could be against lesser opposition for AJ to find his feet, so it is unclear if he’d be in contention.
Who will Joshua face next?
Joshua for now has yet to pencil in his next date officially, but has offers to fight in Ghana or Nigeria.
Several fights could be on the table including against Deontay Wilder, with the bout still a huge commercial blockbuster.
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Joshua remains one of the biggest stars in the sport and will still be in big fights after losing to DuboisCredit: Getty
But lesser opposition could be considered if a deal can be struck for Joshua’s dream fight with Tyson Fury.
Any agreement could be for two bouts, and Hearn insists it is still the biggest fight in boxing and his charge’s main priority.