Joshua Survives Early Scare to Stop Prenga
Anthony Joshua climbed off the canvas twice in the opening round to score a dramatic second-round stoppage over Kristian Prenga on Saturday. The Albanian heavyweight stunned the former champion with an uppercut that sent Joshua crashing down, then followed with a ferocious right hand for a second knockdown before the round ended. Joshua appeared unstable on his legs but smiled at Prenga as the bell rang, then returned to his corner to regroup.
Prenga kept swinging hammers early but began fading as the second round progressed. Joshua came out aggressive, backing his opponent into the corner and unloading combinations until a brutal right hand sent Prenga crashing through the bottom rope at the 2:43 mark. The referee waved off the fight moments later, handing Joshua a comeback victory that left the crowd on pins and needles.
“It was more than me that just picked me up,” Joshua said afterward. “It can’t just be me. There’s a higher power that’s calling.”
Fury Showdown Looms
With the victory secured, Joshua immediately turned his attention toward Tyson Fury. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the long-awaited fight is already signed for later this year, though location details remain to be finalized. Joshua shouted for Fury during his post-fight celebration, declaring he would rip his rival’s heart out and calling himself the meanest and most vicious champion ever.
Joshua acknowledged Fury’s achievements but insisted fans would be in for a treat when the two British heavyweights finally meet before 2026 concludes. The win over Prenga keeps that highly anticipated showdown on track after years of false starts.