You can be a hero or a coward, I’m trying to be the hero – Joshua
Anthony Joshua says he is trying to be “the hero” as he prepares to fight heavyweight Kristian Prenga on Saturday, his first bout since two close friends died in a car crash in December 2025. He acknowledged feeling slightly nervous, underscoring the personal significance of the return.
Joshua believes a victory over Prenga would put him on course to beat Tyson Fury later this year. The fight is therefore presented as an important step towards a potential high-profile meeting with Fury.
- Joshua returns after the deaths of two close friends.
- He faces Kristian Prenga on Saturday.
- He sees victory as a route to Tyson Fury.
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Anthony Joshua is one of heavyweight boxing's biggest names, having previously held world titles and fought in some of the sport's most high-profile bouts. He is widely regarded as one of the elite heavyweight fighters.
Joshua lost two close friends in a car crash in December 2025, a significant personal tragedy. He is now preparing to return to competitive boxing following this loss.
Joshua has been working towards a bout with Tyson Fury, another major heavyweight champion, which would be one of boxing's biggest potential fights. His return to the ring is therefore meaningful both personally, following his loss, and professionally, as a step towards this significant goal.