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Ready to ‘conquer Earth’ – Joshua embraces comeback spotlight
Anthony Joshua says he is fully focused on his comeback fight against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, despite the prospect of a long-awaited bout with Tyson Fury later this year. The fight is Joshua’s first since a fatal car crash in Nigeria last December involving two close friends and team members, making Saturday’s event particularly significant for the British heavyweight.
Joshua, 36, has won 29 of 33 professional contests, with 26 stoppages, but has not defeated an established heavyweight since Otto Wallin in December 2023. Prenga, 35, has 20 knockout wins and one defeat but has not faced opposition of Joshua’s standing; he has predicted a knockout victory, which Joshua dismissed while acknowledging the unpredictability of boxing. A Joshua win, alongside victory for Fury over Mariusz Wach in Thailand, could set up an all-British heavyweight contest.
In short
- Joshua returns against Kristian Prenga after a difficult personal period.
- Victory could move Joshua closer to fighting Tyson Fury.
- Prenga promises a knockout, but Joshua remains confident.
Explained simply
Anthony Joshua is a 36-year-old British heavyweight boxer who has won 29 of 33 professional fights, including 26 by knockout. He previously competed at the highest levels of heavyweight boxing, although he has not faced top-ranked opposition in recent fights.
Joshua experienced significant personal loss last December when a car crash in Nigeria killed two close friends and team members. This Saturday's bout against Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia marks his first fight since that tragedy.
British heavyweight boxing currently features strong interest in a potential clash between Joshua and fellow Briton Tyson Fury. Should Joshua defeat Prenga and Fury win his upcoming bout in Thailand, the two British fighters could face each other in a heavyweight contest later this year.