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.