Frank Warren has weighed in on Anthony Joshua’s comeback fight against Kristian Prenga. He suggested that rising heavyweight Moses Itauma would have been a more meaningful opponent than his scheduled bout.
The former two-time unified heavyweight champion is set to face Prenga on July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Many see this bout as a warm-up fight ahead of the biggest showdown in British boxing history against Tyson Fury, as Turki Alalshikh and Eddie Hearn confirmed that the fight has been signed.
As a result, many have positioned the Prenga fight as a tune-up bout, intended to help Joshua smoothly return to competition.
However, Many have questioned the choice of the opponent. Many within the boxing community have debated whether the Olympic gold medalist should be facing a more competitive opponent, even in a comeback scenario.
Warren believes Itauma would have been the perfect warm-up for Joshua
As Itauma’s promoter, He made it clear that he believes his fighter would have been a better fit for the role.
“[Anthony Joshua] has got this warm-up fight coming up against the guy he’s fighting,” Warren told Helwani. “Me, I’d love him to have had that warm-up fight against Moses. That would have been a great warm-up and a good test for him.”
Warren’s has shown confidence in Itauma’s ability and a desire to see the young heavyweight take a major step up in competition.
The Brit has stayed out of action since his knockout win since his knockout victory over YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul past December.
Later, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion was involved in a car accident that claimed the lives of his two close friends.
The ‘Enriko Itauma’ has quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the heavyweight division.
He is Known for his speed, composure, and finishing ability, he has finished 12 of his opponents in 14 victories.
A fight with Joshua would mark a major step up in competition, but also an opportunity to prove himself against an established name.
Warren backs Itauma for world title push
The promoter continued to heap praise on Itauma.
He backed the rising heavyweight to fight for a world title sooner rather than later.
Warren was particularly impressed with Itauma’s recent performance, highlighting not just his physical tools but also his composure inside the ring.
“He was brilliant,” Warren said. “His composure, his speed, his boxing brain, everything… the maturity he showed for such a young fighter is unbelievable.”
The veteran promoter also pointed to Itauma’s unique offensive ability as a key factor that separates him from other prospects in the division.
“He’s got such fast hands, and he gets shots from unconventional angles as well.”
He made a bold prediction.
“Provided he keeps winning, he will fight for the world title by the end of the year,”
