Joshua Battles Back from Two Knockdowns, Stops Prenga to Set Up Fury Clash

Joshua stops Prenga after dramatic comeback, reigniting anticipation for blockbuster heavyweight showdown against Tyson Fury later this year.

Anthony Joshua produced a dramatic comeback victory on Saturday night, overcoming two first-round knockdowns to stop previously unbeaten Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in the second round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, reigniting hopes of a long-awaited blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.

The British-Nigerian boxer endured a nightmare start as Prenga, who entered the contest with 20 knockouts from 20 professional victories, caught him with a powerful uppercut just 20 seconds into the fight, sending Joshua to the canvas.

Prenga floored the former two-time world heavyweight champion again before the end of the opening round, raising fears of a stunning upset.

Joshua, however, regained his composure in the second round, using his jab to create space before unleashing a series of heavy right hands that trapped Prenga against the ropes. The sustained assault forced the referee to stop the contest, handing Prenga the first defeat of his career while improving Joshua’s professional record to 30 wins from 34 fights, including 27 knockouts.

Reflecting on the prospect of finally facing Tyson Fury, Joshua said he respected his fellow Briton’s achievements but remained determined to settle their rivalry in the ring.

“I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as someone who has been calling for this fight for a long time, we are here now,” Joshua said.

“You know what I have learned, I cannot be stopped, I am not going to be stopped, and I am not going to be denied.”

The victory marked Joshua’s first fight since the December car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

An emotional Joshua dedicated the victory to their memory, saying the comeback reflected the spirit and resilience they inspired in him.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that contracts for the proposed Joshua-Fury clash had already been signed, although the venue is yet to be finalised. Wembley Stadium remains a leading option, while staging the contest in the United States is also under consideration.

Former undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk praised Joshua’s performance, saying the British-Nigerian now looked stronger mentally than when they previously met in the ring.