Former unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua delivered one of the most dramatic victories of his career on Saturday night, recovering from two first-round knockdowns to stop Kristian Prenga in the second round and move a step closer to a long-awaited blockbuster showdown with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury.
The thrilling contest, held at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, appeared destined for one of the biggest upsets in recent heavyweight boxing after Albania’s Prenga stunned Joshua just 19 seconds into the opening round with a crushing right uppercut that sent the British star crashing to the canvas.
Prenga continued his relentless assault moments later, forcing Joshua down for a second time after another barrage of punches left the former world champion in serious trouble. The dramatic start sparked fears that Joshua’s comeback could end in defeat following a lengthy absence from the ring.
However, Joshua displayed remarkable resilience. After surviving the opening round, the 36-year-old returned with renewed determination in the second, landing a powerful combination that sent Prenga to the canvas. The referee completed the count after the Albanian failed to recover, handing Joshua a spectacular knockout victory.
The victory marks Joshua’s successful return after seven months away from boxing. His absence followed a difficult period in which he was involved in a serious car accident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends, a tragedy that also left him recovering physically and emotionally.
Speaking after the fight, Joshua credited his recovery from the early knockdowns to faith and determination.
It was more than me that picked me up. A higher power, Joshua said while praising Prenga for providing one of the toughest tests of his recent career. He then turned his attention to Tyson Fury, asking whether his long-time rival was present in the arena and expressing hope that boxing fans would finally witness the long-awaited all-British heavyweight clash.
Although Fury was not in attendance, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, revealed that contracts for the proposed mega-fight have already been signed, suggesting the blockbuster showdown could take place later this year.
We’ve signed the contract. Everything is done, Hearn said, while admitting he briefly feared Joshua had returned to boxing too soon after witnessing the frightening opening round.
Joshua’s dramatic comeback instantly reignites excitement around one of boxing’s most anticipated rivalries. The two former heavyweight champions have been linked for years, but negotiations repeatedly collapsed despite widespread demand from fans across the world.
If the proposed fight proceeds as expected, it will finally deliver one of the biggest all-British heavyweight contests in boxing history.
The event also featured several title fights. Hamzah Sheeraz retained his WBO super middleweight title with a majority decision victory over Simon Zachenhuber, while IBF super welterweight champion Josh Kelly successfully defended his crown against Caoimhin Agyarko. Rising Japanese prospect Reito Tsutsumi also impressed with another stoppage victory as part of an action-packed undercard.
Joshua’s comeback victory not only preserved his hopes of another defining chapter in his career but also revived global anticipation for a heavyweight showdown against Tyson Fury—a contest many boxing fans have waited years to see.
