Italian Boxer Guido Vianello Calls Out Anthony Joshua for “World-Changing” Fight at the Roman Colosseum

Italian heavyweight sensation Guido Vianello has challenged former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua to a historic showdown at Rome’s iconic Colosseum, declaring that such an event would “change the world.”

The 31-year-old, who stands at 6ft 6in, says his dream is to face Joshua inside the nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheatre — the same arena that once hosted gladiatorial battles and ancient Roman spectacles.

“I would love to fight AJ in the Colosseum because it’s not just a fight — it’s history,” Vianello told Uncrowned. “There’s never been a boxing match there before. We need a big star like Joshua to make it happen. It’s my dream — whether in Rome, Riyadh, or London, let’s make the fight because Joshua deserves a real challenge.”

The proposal comes amid growing interest in staging major sporting events at the ancient site. UFC boss Dana White once attempted to organize a Zuckerberg–Musk MMA bout at the Colosseum, while Saudi Arabia’s boxing authorities have floated similar ambitions.

Joshua, 36, has been training for a comeback following his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois at Wembley in September 2024. Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted at a warm-up bout before potential megafights with Tyson Fury or Oleksandr Usyk. Meanwhile, Russian powerhouse Arslanbek Makhmudov has also issued a challenge, claiming Joshua “gave his word” to face him next year.

As Joshua prepares his return to the ring in 2026, fans may soon see whether his next big fight will indeed make history — under the shadow of the Colosseum.