Joshua returns against Prenga, though he already had a fight after the loss
The bout against Kristian Prenga is positioned as a comeback fight. But in reality, the Briton has already boxed after his devastating loss to Daniel Dubois – more than a year later, he stepped out against Jake Paul and knocked him out in the 6th round. The fight with Prenga is a comeback after a tragedy, not just after a loss.
In December 2025, in Nigeria, the jeep Joshua was travelling in crashed into a parked truck. Two trainers and childhood friends died – Sina Gami, strength and conditioning coach, and Latif "Lats" Ayodel, personal trainer. Anthony himself sustained minor injuries and was discharged from hospital on December 31st. The question remained open: would he return at all?
The Briton promised to continue for the sake of his trainers' memory. Eddie Hearn says Joshua is more motivated than ever in his career. This is the final chapter of Joshua's professional journey. Ahead lie, likely, a few decisive tests. Anthony is not just motivated – he has a goal: to finish his career in a way that his trainers and friends would truly be proud of.
Joshua is preparing in Valencia, at the camp of Oleksandr Usyk, his former opponent. He is being coached by the same person who prepared Usyk for his last fight – Ukrainian Yehor Holub. An interesting choice of location for focus and concentration.
The former two-time heavyweight champion returns in a fight set to precede the most anticipated bout in British heavyweight boxing – the meeting against Tyson Fury. The contract is signed, the date is October or November, Wembley. Or the USA – some organizers want to move the meeting there.
Prenga is no opponent for Joshua, but he has a punch
Kristian Prenga is definitely not who anyone expected as the opponent. The boxing community barely knew him before the fight announcement. The 35-year-old Albanian from New Jersey is a former two-time European kickboxing champion. A record of 20-1, 20 knockouts – one hundred percent stoppage rate. Sounds impressive.
But let's look at the opponents. His last fight was a first-round knockout against Joe Jones, whose record was 16 wins and 14 losses at the time. Before that – no one of note. Joey Dawejko is the biggest name on his résumé. And that is a veteran with a long list of losses. Prenga has literally never beaten anyone serious in his entire career.
At the same time, Prenga is confident in himself. He secured 17 of his 20 knockouts in the first three rounds, seven of them in the first. His last three in a row were all first-round stoppages. He has power. Against mediocre opposition.
"If I catch you – you have never felt a punch like that. I promise you, brother. I respect you a lot, but in the ring, I respect no one," Prenga said to Joshua's face at the press conference.
Anthony replied: "Good, I like that. Get in the ring and try to do what you think you can do."
The fight pattern is obvious. Assuming no surprises this time
In the meeting against Daniel Dubois, everyone also bet on Joshua. He was knocked down more than once by the midpoint of the fight and lost by stoppage.
But Dubois is not Prenga, and vice versa. The Albanian is a decent boxer, nothing more. Joshua is not as relaxed this time as he was that night. The situation looks critical for Kristian.
Of course, the start could be intriguing. But as soon as Joshua finds his rhythm and reads his opponent – it will be over. Otherwise, there is no point talking about a meeting with Tyson Fury. The epic British showdown may never happen if something goes wrong.