Anthony Joshua survived two early knockdowns in Jeddah to secure a second-round knockout victory over Kristian Prenga. The dramatic comeback victory paves the way for a long-awaited heavyweight clash against Tyson Fury later this year, as promoters confirm the fight is signed.
Another dramatic and emotional night in Anthony Joshua’s boxing career ultimately ended as just about everyone expected it would, with the countdown well under way to a super-fight against Tyson Fury later in the year, BBC Sport reported. Joshua, 36, improved his record to 30-4, but he was almost on the end of one of the biggest shocks in his sport’s history when he was knocked down twice by little-known Albanian Kristian Prenga inside the first round.
First-Round Drama and Knockdowns in Jeddah
Although Joshua was the clear odds-on favourite heading into the contest, things did not start smoothly.
Just 20 seconds into the opening round, Prenga caught Joshua with an uppercut that sent the Briton sprawling to the canvas. Joshua beat the count, but he fell down a second time later in the round, prompting shocked gasps from the packed-out crowd in Jeddah and drawing a smile from Joshua as he received the referee’s count.
“That was spirit. That was Sina and Latz. That was the families. That was… it hurts even talking about it.”
Anthony Joshua, via Ladbible
The bout came seven months after a car crash in Nigeria in which Joshua was injured and two of his closest friends, Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, died. Joshua paid tribute to them on his pre-fight outfit and addressed the emotional weight of the tragedy after the final bell.
The Second-Round Recovery and Knockout Finish
The momentum shifted entirely when the bell rang for the second round. Prenga was left trying to pick himself up between the ropes after becoming Joshua’s 27th beaten opponent by knockout.
After the sudden turnaround, Joshua told the crowd to calm down, embraced stablemate Oleksandr Usyk, raised his hands to soak in the cheers, and seemingly looked to the skies. Eddie Hearn admitted in his post-match comments that the opening round brought severe anxiety.
“Nobody can imagine what he’s been through in the last seven months. In that first round, I thought we’d come back too soon. Boxing got him through. To even be in the ring tonight is astonishing. You don’t know what he’s been through.”
Eddie Hearn
Tyson Fury Call-Out and the Upcoming Heavyweight Clash
With the comeback victory secured, Joshua immediately turned his attention to a potential showdown with Tyson Fury, asking the arena, Hold on, wait a minute. Have we got Tyson Fury in the room? Is he here or not?
When it was confirmed that Fury was not in attendance—having secured a win over Mariusz Wach in Thailand the previous day—Joshua quoted Mike Tyson to signal his intent.
“I’m gonna rip his heart out. I’m the meanest and most vicious champion there’s ever been, and nobody who can stop me.”
Anthony Joshua, via Ladbible
Joshua quickly turned more jovial and respectful, acknowledging Fury’s achievements while noting that a long-awaited meeting between the two British heavyweights is finally within reach. Eddie Hearn confirmed in the ring that the fight between the heavyweights is already signed, with reports suggesting it could take place as soon as November.