Heavyweight star who knocked out Makhmudov calls for Anthony Joshua showdown at the Colosseum

The Italian, who is fittingly nicknamed ‘The Gladiator’, made the offer to Joshua after knocking out the previously undefeated Alexis Barriere on the undercard of Jaron Ennis’ impressive win over Uisma Lima on Saturday night.

Vianello improved to 14-3-1 (12 KOs) with the stoppage, adding to an impressive win over Dave Allen conqueror Arslanbek Makhmudov. Now 31, Vianello has also shared the ring with heavyweight contenders Efe Ajagba and Richard Torrez Jr, losing to the pair in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

Interviewed in the ring after the win over Barriere, Vianello declared: “Now I want a big name. You know what name I want? Anthony Joshua. I want him in front of me. 

“Let’s fight in Rome, in the Colosseum, in London, where you want. But give me a big name please because I’m 31. I don’t have extra time, I want to win now.”

Mikey Williams/Top Rank

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In 2021 it was announced that a new floor would be installed at the Colosseum, allowing events to be hosted in the iconic Roman arena. Built in the first century, the Colosseum played host to gladiator contests for the best part of 400 years.

An Olympian who competed in the 2016 super heavyweight tournament, Vianello’s biggest achievement as an amateur was a silver medal at the EU Championships in 2014, earned after defeat by British heavyweight Frazer Clarke in the final.

Joshua has been inactive since losing to Daniel Dubois in September 2024, having underwent surgery on his elbow in the summer. ‘AJ’ had been slated for a return before the end of 2025, before promoter Eddie Hearn suggested a date in early 2026.

Makhmudov, knocked out by Vianello in 2024, has also put his name forward to fight Joshua following his own win at the weekend.

Joshua has been vocal about finally meeting heavyweight rival Tyson Fury inside the ring in 2026, with his promoter Hearn previously suggesting a tune-up bout for both fighters before a headlining event in the summer.

If Joshua does not fight before the end of 2025, it will be the first time he has been inactive for a whole calendar year since turning professional in 2013.

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