One of the biggest fights in heavyweight boxing history has just one more hurdle to clear.
On July 25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, former unified champion Anthony Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) returns for the first time since his sixth-round knockout of crossover star Jake Paul. This time, however, the stakes are higher.
Standing across the ring in Joshua’s 34th bout is Albanian-born, New Jersey-based Kristian Prenga, according to The Ring. The 35-year-old has been handed the chance not only to claim the biggest scalp of his career, but to derail plans for Joshua’s long-awaited showdown with former lineal champ Tyson Fury — a fight which, according to boxing powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, is already signed.
Biggest bout in British boxing
The Ring, owned by Alalshikh, reports that a Joshua victory would move him and Fury (35-2-1, 24 KOs) towards a blockbuster clash later this year, expected to land on Netflix. Despite both men falling short against Oleksandr Usyk — twice apiece — their combined star power still makes this one of the biggest fights British boxing can offer. If it does materialise, though, it will arrive well past its natural peak, with both men now firmly in the latter stages of their careers.
There had been speculation that Joshua might not return at all following the deaths of close friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami — his personal trainer and strength coach — in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 29.
Earlier this month, however, Joshua was spotted ringside alongside promoter Eddie Hearn to watch Fury’s comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov. The ‘Gypsy King’ showed flashes of his best in a comfortable points win, with Makhmudov proving a willing but ultimately overmatched opponent.
Afterward, Alalshikh attempted to bring Joshua into the ring to formally announce the fight, but ‘AJ’ declined, opting instead to watch on as Fury launched into a verbal tirade, the pair trading words from a distance.
Joshua risks it all against Prenga
The opportunity of a lifetime now falls to Prenga. With one defeat in 21 contests and a 100 percent knockout record, the 35-year-old represents danger, if not proven elite pedigree. He has yet to face top-level opposition and, on paper, appears a calculated step for Joshua before a meeting with Fury.
But heavyweight boxing rarely follows the script. One punch can change everything — and until the final bell sounds in Riyadh, nothing can be taken for granted.
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