JOSHUA OVERCOMES TWO KNOCKDOWNS TO DEFEAT PRENGA

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua overcame two first-round knockdowns to stop Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga in the second round on Sunday, marking a dramatic return to the ring and setting up a long-awaited clash with fellow Briton Tyson Fury.

The bout at the Jeddah Superdome was Joshua’s first since a fatal car crash in Nigeria in December claimed the lives of two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

An emotional Joshua paid tribute to the pair after the victory, saying their memory inspired his comeback.

“That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina. That was family,” he said.

The 36-year-old was returning to competitive action for the first time since suffering a fifth-round knockout defeat to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

Joshua endured a difficult start as Prenga floored him with a right uppercut just 20 seconds into the contest before sending him down again later in the opening round.

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However, the former champion recovered in the second round, using his jab to force Prenga onto the back foot before landing a series of powerful punches.

A crushing combination, finished with a right hand, sent the Albanian crashing through the ropes, prompting the referee to stop the fight at 2:43 of the second round.

The victory improved Joshua’s professional record to 30 wins and four defeats, with 27 of his victories coming by knockout.

Attention now turns to a proposed “Battle of Britain” against Tyson Fury, expected to take place in November at a venue yet to be confirmed.

Fury boosted hopes of the blockbuster showdown after defeating Mariusz Wach by seventh-round stoppage in Thailand on Friday, securing his second victory of the year following a lengthy spell out of the ring.

Although Fury was not present in Jeddah, Joshua made it clear he remains eager for the fight.

“I respect everything he has done and achieved, but I’ve been calling for this fight for a long time. We’re here now,” he said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that the contract for the Joshua-Fury bout has already been signed, describing Sunday’s victory as a testament to Joshua’s resilience after the personal tragedy he endured.

Joshua ended the night with a defiant message, insisting he remains determined to reclaim his place at the top of heavyweight boxing.

“I can’t be stopped. I’m not going to be stopped. I’m not going to be denied,” he said.