Italian heavyweight Guido Vianello has called out Anthony Joshua for a historic fight at the Roman Colosseum, declaring it would “change the world.”
The 6ft 6in 31-year-old from Rome wants to face the former two-time world champion in his homeland’s most historical landmark, proposing what would be an unprecedented sporting event at the ancient amphitheatre.
“I would love to fight with AJ. And I would love to do this in the Colosseum, because it’s not just a fight. We (will) change the world. (There has never been) a fight in the Colosseum, but we need AJ to do this because we need a big name,” Vianello told Uncrowned.
“We need a big star here in Italy to do this. It’s my dream. I want to fight with him (in the Colosseum), but (anywhere) I can fight with Joshua, in Riyadh, in London — let’s just make the fight because Joshua deserves a big opponent, a tough opponent.”
The ancient amphitheatre was constructed nearly 2,000 years ago in AD 70-80 and hosted several Roman sports events, including gladiator games and wild animal hunts, but has since turned into a tourist attraction.
In 2023, UFC boss Dana White tried to stage a sensational MMA fight between tech moguls Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk at the Colosseum, but the celebrity mega-match collapsed.
Saudi Arabia’s boxing chief has also revealed plans to host an event at the Colosseum, along with the Eiffel Tower and Alcatraz Prison.
Joshua, 36, is back in training having been out since his September 2024 knockout loss to Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium.
Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed their plans are to have at least one lower-level comeback fight before eyeing a British blockbuster with Tyson Fury.
Meanwhile, Arslanbek Makhmudov, who beat Dave Allen in Sheffield, has also called out Joshua.
“Anthony Joshua, where are you? I’m coming for you. I’ve already spoken with him and he gave me his word that he will fight me next year. I’m ready,” the 36-year-old said.
Joshua last fought in September 2024 when he was knocked out in five rounds by Dubois in a brutal loss that ended his hopes of reclaiming the IBF heavyweight title.
The former champion has spent this year on the sidelines recovering from various injury issues but is expected to return to the ring in 2026.
Dreams of a long-awaited bout with retired rival Fury remain a possibility, as does a trilogy fight with former opponent Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated Joshua twice in 2021 and 2022.
