Anthony Joshua has told Tyson Fury to put his money where his mouth is and fight Moses Itauma.
The British heavyweight rivals have signed to meet by the end of 2026, but face respective warm-up fights before their long-awaited mega fight.
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Joshua takes on Albania’s Kristian Prenga before he fights Fury in late 2026Credit: AFP
Fury returned to action in April for the first time since his second consecutive defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024, calling out Joshua after defeating Arslanbek Makhmudov in London.
That was expected to be Fury’s only appearance before facing Joshua, but ‘The Gypsy King’ revealed last month he will contest another tune-up fight before the all-British blockbuster.
Joshua, meanwhile, is booked to fight Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga on July 25 for his first fight since beating Jake Paul in their mega money Netflix clash.
‘AJ’ was in London on Monday for his first face-off with Prenga and caught up with talKSPORT’s Spencer Oliver before taking centre stage.
READ MORE BOXING NEWSAJ: Fury should stop worrying about me
The 36-year-old asked who Fury was fighting next before throwing a dig in the direction of his future opponent, if he beats Prenga.
“[Fury] was saying to me when I was looking for an opponent for this day, he was like, ‘Fight [Fabio] Wardley, fight Itauma, these fights are easy to make if you’re looking for a comeback fight,'” Joshua explained.
Undefeated Briton Itauma is arguably the hottest prospect in heavyweight boxing right now, having knocked out Jermaine Franklin last time out to go 14-0.
Wardley, on the other hand, dropped his IBF heavyweight strap to Daniel Dubois in early May and the pair are expected to rematch as soon as possible.
Joshua continued: “So I think that [Itauma] would be a perfect name because they’re all under the same promotion.
“So if Fury is what he says he is, maybe he should step forward and Frank [Warren] should put his fighter forward instead of worrying about what I’m up to.”
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‘AJ’ has suggested Fury faces Itauma for his tune-up fightCredit: Queensberry
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Joshua: ‘I’m ready for Fury, it’s all done’
Although Prenga is next, the boxing world is already looking forward to the looming British blockbuster with Fury.
It seems likely that both fighters will need to come through a warm-up bout, with Fury also set to take a tune-up.
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Joshua told Fury to stay in his own lane and worry about himselfCredit: Getty
But the bout is all signed and is set to be the sport’s biggest event of the year on British shores, and will command huge audiences globally.
He can’t slip up, but he is already excited for the possibility of settling the age old rivalry.
The 36-year-old said: “Bring on Prenga, but bring on Fury as well.
“I’ve happily signed the contract, I saw it was a two-fight deal when it was presented with the Fury fight.
“They told me when I beat Prenga, it would be Tyson Fury. But it’s no problem to me, and there’s no pressure.
“I know what is required of me and I stepped up to the plate.”
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Joshua said he’s preparing for 15 rounds ahead of his fight against Prenga with the Fury clash loomingCredit: GettyJoshua ready for war
Speaking on his comeback, Joshua explained: “Well, the thing is, if we’re going to take away personal and just look at it from a sporting perspective, this is a continuation.
“But life has just managed to throw itself in the mix of my professional career and it is a comeback.
“We’re back. I’m clear to fight. I’ve been sparring. I’m fit. I’m going to get fitter.
“I’m already mentally strong. I’m already physically strong. I just want to get very, very well conditioned.
“Even though I know what I want to do in the ring, I’ve got to prepare myself for 15 rounds, not 12 rounds, 15 rounds, because it’s not just about Prenga, it’s about what’s coming after.”
On his motivations, Joshua added: “Boxing, of course, it’s the pressure, it’s the wanting to win.
“But at the core of it, it’s really good for one’s mental health, and I choose boxing as my form of therapy, my form of fitness.
Boxing schedule
For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s boxing schedule.
“Boxing is a really good way for me to keep sane, to keep my feet on the ground. It’s good for me in many more ways than being just a champion.”
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Joshua has been training with former opponent Usyk in Valencia, Spain, in preparation for Prenga.
Usyk is backing ‘AJ’ to become undisputed heavyweight champion in the future, and the latter has admitted the Ukrainian has improved most of his game, including ‘boxing fitness’ and ring IQ.