Former two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua produced a remarkable comeback to defeat Albanian boxer Kristian Prenga by second-round knockout after surviving two knockdowns in a dramatic contest in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Gatekeepers News reports that the victory marked Joshua’s return to the ring and kept alive plans for a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.
Joshua’s evening got off to a disastrous start when Prenga caught him with a powerful uppercut less than 30 seconds into the opening round, sending the British-Nigerian fighter to the canvas. Although he beat the count, Joshua appeared badly shaken before Prenga floored him again later in the round with another heavy punch. The former champion managed to survive until the bell despite looking on the verge of a shock defeat.
The fight turned in the second round as Joshua regained his composure and began forcing Prenga backwards with a series of sharp combinations. He eventually landed a crushing right hand that sent the Albanian crashing through the ropes, prompting the referee to stop the contest at the 2:43 mark of the round.
Speaking after the bout, Joshua praised his opponent’s power and resilience, saying the fight was a reminder of the determination required to succeed in boxing.
“He’s strong, durable, he showed me a good test. This is what we do. We get knocked down and stand up and keep going,” Joshua said.
The victory was particularly emotional for Joshua, who was fighting for the first time since a car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends and left him injured. He dedicated the win to their memory and described the triumph as one of perseverance through difficult circumstances.
The result also cleared the way for a proposed blockbuster clash with fellow Briton Tyson Fury, with promoters confirming that both fighters have signed contracts for a bout expected later this year after successfully winning their respective warm-up fights.
