ITALIAN heavyweight Guido Vianello threw his name into the hat to face Anthony Joshua following his win on Saturday night.
The charismatic 31-year-old faced Canadian Alexis Barriere in a 10-round bout on the Jaron Ennis–Uisma Lima undercard at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. The two big-hitters didn’t disappoint, delivering a mini-slugfest that ended in a fifth-round KO victory for the 6ft 6ins Vianello.
The 2016 Olympian was in must-win territory against the previously unbeaten Barriere. Having suffered defeats to Jonathan Rice, Efe Ajagba and Richard Torrez Jr, another setback would have pushed Vianello further down the queue of heavyweight contenders.
With a WBC fringe belt over his shoulder for his efforts, Vianello, (14-3-1, 12 KOs) spoke to DAZN’s Chris Mannix post-fight and made it clear who he wants next.
“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 Coliseum, 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.”
Joshua, who turns 36 this Wednesday, is back in the gym after recovering from elbow surgery carried out in May. The two-time unified heavyweight champion remains a huge draw in the division despite his setback defeat to Daniel Dubois last year.
His return could take place in December or in the first quarter of 2026. With a host of names linked to Joshua’s comeback, Vianello may well have just entered the race as well.
