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Anthony Joshua has been the UK’s heavyweight superstar for over a decade and it seems as though his likely successor Moses Itauma could be on the verge of his own world title shot, and now ‘AJ’, has shared his thoughts on Itauma using just one word.

Itauma has stopped 12 of his first 14 opponents and is yet to box beyond the sixth round in his professional boxing career, but he finds himself homing in on world honours, with an August outing against Filip Hrgovic seemingly the only obstacle to a world title challenge.

Anthony Joshua

Meanwhile, Joshua began his pro career in an even more destructive style, after claiming the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games, winning by stoppage in his first 20 fights – a run which lasted up until a points win in a world title unification against Joseph Parker.

Like ‘AJ’, Itauma could get his hands on the heavyweight crown in fight number 16, with Oleksandr Usyk’s vacation of three world titles opening the door to challenges against Murat Gassiev (WBA), Agit Kabayel (WBC) and for the vacant IBF title, against Frank Sanchez.

Moses Itauma

Speaking with Ring Magazine, in a game of word association, Joshua was obviously impressed by the form of the 21-year-old, labelling Britain’s hottest prospect simply as ‘talent’.

Itauma will headline in the British capital for the first time when he takes on Croatia’s Hrgovic at the O2 Arena on Saturday, August 29, as he seeks to further build his star power ahead of a world title bid, where he could potentially become the second youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history.

Anthony Joshua could be presented with a world title shot in 2027, but first he must take care of Tyson Fury later this year.

The two British heavyweights are expected to collide in November, yet we are still awaiting the announcement of a specific date, location and promoter.

What we do know, however, is that Fury and ‘AJ’ will enter respective warm-up fights against Mariusz Wach and Kristian Prenga on the same weekend.

The first of which will take place at the Max Muay Thai Stadium in Pattaya, Thailand, on July 24, with 46-year-old veteran Wach having been selected as a low-risk opponent.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

It would also seem that there are no plans to broadcast this fight, but rather for it to be treated as an exclusive event for the 2,000 fans in attendance.

Joshua, meanwhile, has equally been matched with a low-risk opponent, only it could be argued that even Kristian Prenga poses a greater threat than Wach.

Regardless, the 36-year-old is heavily favoured to come through his contest in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25, before entering a long-awaited showdown with Fury.

If he defeats ‘The Gypsy King’, Joshua is then likely to pursue three-time world championship glory, potentially against newly-crowned WBC ruler Agit Kabayel.

“Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, when you think you have a chance to be a three-time world champion, let’s do it. Kabayel will wait for you.

Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

“We can make the fight but first of all I think all the fans, the British fans, want to see the Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury fight and, after that, we can see who’s best for the fight with me.

“First of all AJ [for Fury] and after, why not? This is a big fight. We can make this also in Germany in a stadium. We can make this in the UK in a stadium.

Kabayel was elevated from ‘interim’ to full WBC champion following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate his three belts and, in turn, avoid any mandatory duties

WBC heavyweight champion, Agit Kabayel, has called out British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, for a world title shot, insisting he is prepared to wait until the Briton settles his score with Tyson Fury before facing him in the ring.

Agit KabayelJoshua and Fury are expected to collide in November, though a date, venue and promoter are yet to be confirmed. Both fighters will first step into warm-up bouts against lower-ranked opponents on the same weekend, with Fury facing Mariusz Wach in Pattaya, Thailand, on July 24, and Joshua taking on Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a day later.

Should Joshua get past Prenga and subsequently beat Fury, he is expected to pursue a third world title reign, with Kabayel standing as a likely opponent.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the German champion, who has sparred both Joshua and Fury on separate occasions in the past, said he was ready to grant either man a shot at his belt once their rivalry is settled.

“Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, when you think you have a chance to be a three-time world champion, let’s do it. Kabayel will wait for you,” he said.

Tyson Fury

“We can make the fight, but first of all, I think all the fans, the British fans, want to see the Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury fight and, after that, we can see who’s best for the fight with me.

“First of all, AJ (for Fury), and after, why not? This is a big fight. We can also make this in Germany in a stadium. We can make this in the UK in a stadium.”

Anthony Joshua

Kabayel was elevated from interim to full WBC champion after Oleksandr Usyk vacated his three belts to avoid mandatory defences, handing the German his first world title reign.

This is my era!” Agit Kabayel reacts to becoming the WBC’s new heavyweight world champion and reveals his hitlist; he wants to make his first defence of the title in September or October and offers Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Moses Itauma the chance to challenge him for the belt

Agit Kabayel is open to defending his WBC heavyweight world title against Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury or Moses Itauma.
Tyson Fury, Anthony JoshuaWhen Oleksandr Usyk vacated his belts, Kabayel, the interim WBC titlist, was elevated to full world champion.He [Usyk] understands when he fights with Kabayel, this will be a hard fight for him,” the German told Sky Sports. “This is my era

Kabayel will now look to make the first defence of his title in September or October.

“For me it’s no problem, I’ll fight with everyone. You can call me. My phone is here, please call me, I’ll fight with everyone,” Kabayel said
Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua“I want competition, I will fight with the best ones. For me it’s no problem. I fight everyone.”
He added: “Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, when you think you have a chance to be a three-time world champion, let’s do it. Kabayel will wait for you.