Sunday July 26, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Anthony Joshua staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Kristian Prenga by knockout after surviving two knockdowns in a thrilling heavyweight contest.
According to BBC Sport, Joshua endured a nightmare start as Prenga came out aggressively, landing a series of powerful punches that sent the former world heavyweight champion to the canvas twice in the opening round.
The early knockdowns stunned fans, with Prenga appearing on course for a major upset.
However, Joshua quickly regained his composure and demonstrated his experience, responding with relentless pressure and powerful combinations.
The former heavyweight champion completed the turnaround in the second round, unleashing a devastating right hand that sent Albanian boxer Prenga crashing to the canvas and forced the referee to stop the contest.
An emotional Joshua paid tribute to his family after the victory.
“It’s more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the family. It hurts to even talk about it. It has been tough,” the 36-year-old said.
Overcome with emotion, Joshua briefly stepped away from the microphone before adding:
“It’s my brother. I don’t want to talk about it.”
There had been speculation that fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury would make an appearance despite insisting he would not attend.
However, Fury stayed true to his word and was nowhere to be seen, less than 24 hours after recording a warm-up victory over Mariusz Wach in Thailand.
“I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person, we’re here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat,” Joshua said about the prospect of fighting Fury.
Contracts have been signed, but the venue and date for a fight more than a decade in the making are still unknown.
This chaotic night, however, belonged to Joshua in a victory forged through adversity during the most difficult months of his life.
