Anthony Joshua has advised Tyson Fury to take on rising star Moses Itauma as a warm-up bout before their highly anticipated showdown later this year. Fury, who returned from retirement with a decision win over Arslanbek Makhmudov last month, has agreed to face Joshua after the latter gets through Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia next month.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Joshua recalled Fury's earlier advice to him about choosing comeback opponents. 'Fury was saying to me when I was looking for an opponent for this day, he was like, 'Fight Wardley, fight Itauma, these fights are easy to make if you're looking for a comeback fight,'' Joshua said. He added that Itauma would be a 'perfect name' for Fury, given both fighters are under the same promotion.
Itauma, who last fought in a destructive knockout victory over Jermaine Franklin, is regarded as one of boxing's biggest rising stars. Joshua challenged Fury to step up, saying: '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.'
Fury is expected to announce his next opponent soon, though it is unlikely to be Itauma. Joshua, meanwhile, remains focused on his own task. 'Bring on Prenga, but bring on Fury as well,' he said. 'I've happily signed the contract... They told me when I beat Prenga, it would be Tyson Fury. But it's no problem to me, and there's no pressure.'
