Trials Have Made Me Stronger, Says Anthony Joshua Ahead Of Ring Return
British-Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua says the challenges he has faced throughout his career have strengthened his resolve as he prepares to return to the ring against Albanian fighter Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25.
Speaking to DAZN ahead of the bout, Joshua reflected on the setbacks and successes that have shaped his journey, insisting he remains fully focused on reclaiming his place at the top of the heavyweight division.
"I have been through trials and tribulations during my career, but those experiences have shown me how strong I am to still be standing today," Joshua said. "Many people would choose a different path, but I still have the ambition to become champion again."
The fight marks a decade since Joshua captured his first world heavyweight title with a second-round knockout of Charles Martin in April 2016. A year later, he cemented his status as one of boxing's biggest stars with a memorable victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium.
Now 36, Joshua believes he still has the physical condition and mental focus to compete at the highest level.
"Ten years on, I am still standing strong and very well conditioned. My mind is fully focused," he said.
Joshua has compiled a professional record of 29 wins, four defeats and 26 knockouts. His career has included memorable triumphs as well as setbacks, including his shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 before regaining his titles in the rematch later that year.
He also suffered successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024.
He will now face Kristian Prenga, whose professional record stands at 20 wins, one defeat and 20 knockouts, in a bout Joshua hopes will pave the way for a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury later this year, provided both fighters win their upcoming contests.
Speaking to DAZN ahead of the bout, Joshua reflected on the setbacks and successes that have shaped his journey, insisting he remains fully focused on reclaiming his place at the top of the heavyweight division.
"I have been through trials and tribulations during my career, but those experiences have shown me how strong I am to still be standing today," Joshua said. "Many people would choose a different path, but I still have the ambition to become champion again."
The fight marks a decade since Joshua captured his first world heavyweight title with a second-round knockout of Charles Martin in April 2016. A year later, he cemented his status as one of boxing's biggest stars with a memorable victory over Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium.
Now 36, Joshua believes he still has the physical condition and mental focus to compete at the highest level.
"Ten years on, I am still standing strong and very well conditioned. My mind is fully focused," he said.
Joshua has compiled a professional record of 29 wins, four defeats and 26 knockouts. His career has included memorable triumphs as well as setbacks, including his shock loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019 before regaining his titles in the rematch later that year.
He also suffered successive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk and a knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in 2024.
He will now face Kristian Prenga, whose professional record stands at 20 wins, one defeat and 20 knockouts, in a bout Joshua hopes will pave the way for a long-anticipated showdown with Tyson Fury later this year, provided both fighters win their upcoming contests.
