Joshua Survives Two Knockdowns to Stop Prenga, Sets Up Fury Blockbuster

Anthony Joshua survived two early knockdowns before producing a stunning second-round stoppage of Albania’s Kristian Prenga in Jeddah on Sunday, strengthening the prospect of a long-awaited all-British showdown with Tyson Fury.

The former two-time world heavyweight champion was forced to withstand a fierce opening assault from Prenga before recovering his composure and ending the contest emphatically at the Jeddah Superdome.

Joshua was fighting for the first time since a car crash in Nigeria in December claimed the lives of two of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.

The 36-year-old had also been away from competitive action since suffering a fifth-round knockout defeat to IBF world champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.

His return ultimately ended in victory, improving his professional record to 30 wins and four defeats, including 27 victories inside the distance.

But Joshua’s comeback began in alarming fashion.

Prenga, who entered the contest with 20 knockout victories from 21 previous fights, stunned Joshua with a right uppercut just 20 seconds into the opening round.

The Albanian knockout specialist then piled on the pressure, forcing Joshua back towards the ropes before flooring him again late in the first round.

Joshua, however, showed his experience and resilience by regrouping during the interval.

The Briton returned for the second round with greater control, using his jab to back Prenga towards the corner before landing a series of heavy punches that visibly hurt his opponent.

Joshua then unleashed a brutal combination that sent Prenga crashing through the ropes, prompting the referee to stop the fight at two minutes and 43 seconds of the second round.

The emphatic finish kept alive the prospect of Joshua finally sharing the ring with Fury in one of the most anticipated all-British heavyweight fights in recent years.

Fury had earlier moved closer to the proposed showdown by stopping Poland’s Mariusz Wach in Thailand.

The 37-year-old former two-time world champion secured a seventh-round technical knockout over the 46-year-old Wach in Pattaya, extending his unbeaten start to 2026 after returning from a 16-month lay-off.

Fury gradually broke down Wach with sustained pressure before the Pole’s corner intervened in the seventh round.

The victory prompted Fury to turn his attention towards Joshua, while questioning whether his British rival would ultimately agree to the much-anticipated fight.

“I got through my test. Let’s see if Joshua gets through his test,” Fury said.

The heavyweight star also dismissed suggestions that he would travel to Jeddah for a face-off with Joshua, saying he intended to return home to his family.

“Hopefully the next big fight is signed next week,” he added.

With both men now victorious, the path appears clearer for the long-awaited Joshua-Fury blockbuster, although negotiations will still have to be completed before the fight can officially be confirmed.