JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Former two-time world champion Anthony Joshua survived two knockdowns in the second round on Saturday to knock out Kristian Prenga, keeping alive the possibility of an all-British showdown with Tyson Fury.
Joshua was knocked down by an uppercut within 30 seconds of the second round and again later in the round, but he beat the count both times. He then rallied to finish Prenga with a right hook, sending the Albanian fighter through the ropes. The dramatic turnaround was noted by heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk, who was present at ringside.
Joshua's manager, Eddie Hearn, has claimed that Joshua and Fury have signed a contract to fight later this year, contingent on both fighters winning their respective weekend bouts. Joshua expressed hope for the fight, telling the crowd, “I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”
Tyson Fury had also fought earlier in the week, coming out of retirement to force Mariusz Wach, a 46-year-old journeyman, to retire in the seventh round in Thailand.
Prenga entered the fight with a record of 20-1, with all 20 wins by knockout. Joshua improved his record to 30-4 with 27 knockouts.
The fight marked Joshua's first since a car crash in Nigeria in December, which he survived while friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele were killed. After his victory, Joshua acknowledged his friends, stating, “It’s more than punch power. That was spirit. That was Latz and Sina. That was the family. You know what I mean? That hurts even talking about it.
“He (Prenga) gave me a good test but this is what champions do, we rise. We get knocked down and stand up. That is life, that is life’s motto,” Joshua added.