Eddie Hearn believes there is little incentive for Anthony Joshua to fight Moses Itauma

Is Moses Itauma too big a risk for Anthony Joshua?

Eddie Hearn has previously revealed that Anthony Joshua (28-4, 25 KO’s) is planning on making his ring return in 2026. 

However, his opponent has yet to be revealed, and multiple names, including Tyson Fury (34-2-1, 24 KO’s), have been thrown into the hat as potential foes for the former world champion.

Recently, there has been a change of the guard in the British heavyweight scene. Young prospect Moses Itauma's (13-0, 11 KO’s) stock has been quickly rising after a run of phenomenal knockout finishes. 

The 20-year-old recently obliterated Dillian Whyte, with the heavyweight veteran unable to last past the first round, as Itauma quickly broke ‘The Body Snatcher’ down. 

Itauma has near-endless options for his future in the ring, and a clash with ‘AJ’ would undoubtedly be one of the biggest fights of 2026. 

However, Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn recently revealed to Sky Sports that he feels a bout with the rising prospect would be a lose-lose for his ageing heavyweight star.

“I don’t really look at the Moses fight and think that’s a fight for AJ. There are many reasons for that. One, what do you gain out of it?

“Moses is a very good fighter. If you win, you’ve beaten up a 20-year-old. If you lose, you’ve lost to a 20-year-old and your career’s over. It’s a dangerous fight. I rate Moses very highly,” Hearn stated.

Itauma is still mostly unproven as a pro; while his talent and potential are easily identifiable, he has yet to be tested. If Joshua were to beat him, it would likely not aid his title comeback aspirations. However, if he were to lose, his career at the top would be dead and buried. 

Questions have long lingered surrounding AJ’s seemingly deteriorating chin. The 35-year-old has now found himself on wobbly legs on numerous occasions, with concerns first arising during his shock defeat to Mexican fighter Andy Ruiz. 

The young Briton has won 11 of his 13 fights by stoppage within the first two rounds. His power is undeniable, and if Hearns' man were to get tagged, the prospects of him recovering would appear dire given his recent track record.