Joshua Battles Back To Stop Prenga, Moves Closer To Fury Showdown
Anthony Joshua produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Albania's Kristian Prenga by second-round technical knockout in Jeddah, keeping alive hopes of a blockbuster all-British heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion endured a difficult start after being knocked down twice in the opening round. Prenga, renowned for his knockout power, caught Joshua with a crushing right uppercut just 20 seconds into the contest before sending the Briton to the canvas again later in the round.
Despite the early setbacks, Joshua regained his composure during the interval and returned with renewed determination. Using a disciplined jab to control the distance, he gradually forced Prenga onto the back foot before unleashing a barrage of powerful punches.
The fight reached its conclusion when Joshua landed a devastating combination that sent Prenga tumbling through the ropes, prompting the referee to wave off the contest at 2:43 of the second round.
The victory marked an emotional return for Joshua, who had not fought since suffering a knockout defeat to IBF champion Daniel Dubois in September 2024. It was also his first appearance since a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December claimed the lives of two close friends.
Joshua's professional record now stands at 30 wins and four defeats, with 27 victories coming by knockout.
Attention now shifts to Tyson Fury, who also strengthened his case for a long-awaited showdown after stopping Poland's Mariusz Wach by seventh-round technical knockout in Thailand.
Following his victory, Fury expressed confidence that a deal could soon be reached for the much-anticipated clash.
With both heavyweight stars emerging victorious from their comeback bouts, negotiations are expected to intensify as boxing fans await official confirmation of one of the sport's biggest potential matchups.
The former two-time world heavyweight champion endured a difficult start after being knocked down twice in the opening round. Prenga, renowned for his knockout power, caught Joshua with a crushing right uppercut just 20 seconds into the contest before sending the Briton to the canvas again later in the round.
Despite the early setbacks, Joshua regained his composure during the interval and returned with renewed determination. Using a disciplined jab to control the distance, he gradually forced Prenga onto the back foot before unleashing a barrage of powerful punches.
The fight reached its conclusion when Joshua landed a devastating combination that sent Prenga tumbling through the ropes, prompting the referee to wave off the contest at 2:43 of the second round.
The victory marked an emotional return for Joshua, who had not fought since suffering a knockout defeat to IBF champion Daniel Dubois in September 2024. It was also his first appearance since a tragic car accident in Nigeria last December claimed the lives of two close friends.
Joshua's professional record now stands at 30 wins and four defeats, with 27 victories coming by knockout.
Attention now shifts to Tyson Fury, who also strengthened his case for a long-awaited showdown after stopping Poland's Mariusz Wach by seventh-round technical knockout in Thailand.
Following his victory, Fury expressed confidence that a deal could soon be reached for the much-anticipated clash.
With both heavyweight stars emerging victorious from their comeback bouts, negotiations are expected to intensify as boxing fans await official confirmation of one of the sport's biggest potential matchups.
