Anthony Joshua survives double knockdown to knock out Prenga in Jeddah, demands Tyson Fury showdown
Former two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua survived a nightmarish opening round to deliver a crushing second-round technical knockout victory against Albania’s Kristian Prenga at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia.
The victory, which marked the British-Nigerian boxer’s 30th career win, set the stage for an immediate post-fight callout of longtime rival Tyson Fury for an all-British heavyweight clash.
Prenga stuns Jeddah Arena with double knockdown
Entering the ring as the heavy favorite, the 36-year-old Joshua found himself in immediate jeopardy just 20 seconds into the opening bell.
Prenga caught the former champion flush with a sharp right uppercut, sending Joshua crashing down to the canvas.
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Sensing a historic upset, the unbeaten Albanian pressed forward and connected with a heavy left hook/uppercut, flooring Joshua for a second time before the close of the first frame.
Despite the double knockdown that left fans inside the Jeddah Superdome stunned, Joshua beat the referee’s count on both occasions, demonstrating composure under severe pressure before regrouping in his corner.
Devastating second-round knockout seals comeback
Joshua returned for the second round with a calibrated offensive approach, leveraging his length and jab to establish range.
Joshua pushed Prenga onto the defensive, neutralizing the Albanian’s early aggression.
Landing a devastating trademark right-left combination, Joshua connected cleanly to send Prenga heavily onto the canvas.
With Prenga unable to recover, the referee called an official end to the bout at 2:45 of Round 2, awarding Joshua a dramatic TKO victory.
The Saudi Arabia bout marked Joshua’s first return to the ring following a tragic road accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria, in December.
The fatal crash claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and core support team members — strength coach Sina Ghami and personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
A tribute carried to the ring
Joshua entered the arena wearing the names of Ghami and Ayodele emblazoned across his chest. The ring canvas itself carried their names alongside the words “My Brother’s Keeper,” honoring the two men who played vital roles in his career and life.
The victory represents a crucial milestone for Joshua, rebuilding momentum following his September 2024 defeat to Daniel Dubois and his subsequent high-profile stoppage of Jake Paul in Miami.
All Eyes on Tyson Fury heavyweight showdown
Speaking inside the ring moments after his hand was raised, Joshua made his intentions clear, calling out “The Gypsy King” Tyson Fury.
With both heavyweights returning to winning ways, negotiations are expected to resume for what remains one of the most highly anticipated bouts in global boxing history.
