Guido Vianello has volunteered to take on Anthony Joshua for his set-up fight in December. 2016 Olympian Vianello (14-3-1, 12 KOs) says it’s her “dream” Joshua (28-4, 25 KOs) in Rome to fight in the Coliseum.
The 6’6″ Guido declares that Joshua vs. Arslanbek Makhmudov would be too “easy fight” for him, as he already knocked out the Russian fighter in the eighth round on August 17, 2024.
A dream born in Rome
“My dream is a big fight in the Colosseum in Rome. You can do it with a big star like Anthony Joshua. So, it would be a dream to fight with him in Rome,” said Guido Vianello. Pro Boxing Fanscried Anthony Joshua.
“Joshua deserves a good opponent to come back to the KO. I know Makhmudov wants it (AJ fight) too, but I beat him. They are talking about a fight between Joshua and Makhmudov. Joshua is a champion and a fighter. With Makhmudov, it’s an easy fight for him,” said Vianello.
Need Eddie’s approval
Guido says he told Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn about his interest in fighting Joshua, and he told him he liked the idea. Vianello says he has also spoken to his promoters at Top Rank, and they are also interested in the fight.
Hearn could be the stumbling block for the fight taking place. He obviously knows how tough Vianello is looking at his last four performances against these fighters:
- Alexis Barriere
- Richard Torrez Jr.
- Arslanbek Makhmudov
- Worship Ajagba
A risky option for AJ
Vianello knocked out Barriere and Makhmudov. These four fights showed that Vianello attacks his opponents relentlessly and has respectable power. What he lacks in strength, he makes up for in the way he pressures his opponents. Joshua will be vulnerable against such a fighter, especially now with his striking resistance showing signs of decline.
Vianello says he could fight as early as December. He wants to rest from his long training camp after his recent victory over Alexis Barriere on October 11.
Since 2015, Olly Campbell has brought readers a clear ringside perspective and a solid voice on boxing’s biggest nights.
Last updated on 18/10/2025
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