British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua got his career back on track on Saturday night, recovering from two early knockdowns to stop previously unbeaten Albanian Kristian Prenga in the second round in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and setting the stage for a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury later this year, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Joshua’s comeback got off to a disastrous start when Prenga, who had entered the bout with a perfect record of 20 knockout wins from 20 fights, sent him crashing to the canvas within the opening 20 seconds with a thunderous uppercut.

The former two-time world heavyweight champion was floored a second time before the round was out, briefly raising the prospect of one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing.

The 36-year-old, however, showed the heart that has defined much of his career, using his jab to steady himself before unloading a barrage of heavy right hands in the second round that trapped Prenga against the ropes and forced the referee to step in, handing the Albanian the first defeat of his professional career and improving Joshua’s own record to 30 wins from 34 fights, with 27 by knockout.

Speaking about the prospect of finally facing Fury, Joshua struck a defiant tone while acknowledging his rival’s achievements.

“I respect everything he has done and everything that he has achieved, but as a fighting person and as someone who has been calling for this fight for a long time, we are here now. Shout out to His Excellency, shout out to Eddie Hearn for making these opportunities possible, and I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat,” he said.

“You know what I have learned, I cannot be stopped, I am not going to be stopped, I am not going to be denied.”

The victory marked Joshua’s first appearance since the car crash in Nigeria in December that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and members of his team, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

A visibly emotional Joshua, who wore camouflage gear bearing the names of his late friends on his chest, dedicated the win to their memory.

“It is more than punch power. That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina, that was the families. It hurts to even talk about it. It has been tough. They are my brothers, but I do not want to talk about it,” he said in the ring afterwards.

“It is what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down, and we stand up, and we keep going. That is life’s motto.”

Joshua’s win came a day after Fury secured a seventh-round technical knockout over forty-six-year-old Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in an untelevised bout in Thailand, roughly 4,000 miles away, with both former world champions now having come through their respective warm-up assignments.

Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed that contracts for the domestic showdown had already been signed, although a venue was yet to be finalised, with Wembley Stadium among the options being considered alongside the possibility of hosting the fight in the United States.

“We have signed a contract, everything is done. But to be honest with you, tonight is all about the strength that he showed to even be here tonight, and the strength that he had to show in that fight. When you go down a couple of times in the first round, and you are looking like your career might be over, he had to go to the depths one more time to get up and fight on,” Hearn said.

Anthony Joshua recovers from two first-round knockdowns, to knock out Kristian Prenga in the second round of his return fight.

Anthony Joshua made a successful return to the ring, with a dominant second-round knockout of Kristian Prenga at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, strengthening his case for a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.

The former two-time heavyweight world champion overcame an early scare following his knockdown in the first round before taking control of the contest, eventually forcing the referee to stop the fight 1 minute, 52 seconds into the second round. The victory came after just 4 minutes and 52 seconds of action.

Joshua entered the contest looking to bounce back from a lengthy spell away from the ring, while Prenga arrived unbeaten in his previous 16 fights and boasting a perfect knockout record during that run. Despite the Albanian’s aggressive start, Joshua quickly found his rhythm, landing a series of heavy combinations that ended the contest.

The victory keeps Joshua on course for a long-discussed all-British clash with Tyson Fury, with promoters expected to intensify talks following his convincing comeback performance.

Oluwagbemisola Babalola

July 24,  Anthony Joshua has been through many battles inside the  boxing ring, but none compares to what he has endured outside it over the past eight months.

The former unified heavyweight champion returns to action on Saturday against Albania’s Kristian Prenga carrying more than just expectations.

He is fighting for the first time since the devastating car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest friends and trusted team members.

Despite the emotional backdrop, Joshua looked calm, confident, and unusually relaxed during fight week in Jeddah.

While fans and promoters are already dreaming about Tyson Fury, the British star insists his full attention is on the dangerous opponent standing in front of him.

Here are the seven biggest storylines heading into one of Joshua’s most important fights.

1. This Is Joshua’s Most Emotional Comeback Yet

Saturday’s bout marks Joshua’s first appearance since the tragic accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.

The loss deeply affected the former world champion, making this much more than another fight. It represents resilience, healing, and the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

2. Joshua Looked More Relaxed Than Fans Have Seen In Years

Fight-week Anthony Joshua is usually serious and reserved. This week was different.

He smiled throughout the press conference, joked with the host about wearing a blazer in Jeddah’s scorching heat, thanked traveling supporters, and even invited Albanian fans to bring their energy on fight night.

It was a noticeably lighter version of the two-time heavyweight champion.

3. He Refused To Look Beyond Kristian Prenga

With Tyson Fury’s name dominating headlines, Joshua repeatedly shut down questions about a future showdown.

Instead, he stressed that Prenga has his full respect and attention.
His message was simple: overlook no opponent.

It’s a mindset born from experience after years of facing the world’s best heavyweights.

4. Kristian Prenga Believes He Can Shock The Boxing World

Prenga isn’t travelling to Saudi Arabia just to make up the numbers.

The Albanian knockout specialist has won 20 fights by stoppage and boldly predicted he will knock Joshua out. His manager even described the opportunity as a real-life Rocky story.

Joshua wasn’t convinced, replying with a smile that he doesn’t believe Prenga can stop him before adding that “only God knows.”

6. He Reminded Everyone Of The Level He’s Already Reached

Joshua used the press conference to reflect on the elite competition he has already faced.

From world champions to top contenders, he has fought the strongest, fastest, and fittest heavyweights of his generation.

He’s been knocked down. He’s been knocked out.
Yet he insists every setback has made him stronger heading into another defining moment.

7. Joshua Still Has His Eyes On Boxing Greatness

Perhaps Joshua’s most memorable quote came when describing his ambitions.

“The goal is to conquer the universe,” he said with a smile, before quickly bringing himself back to reality.

For Joshua, conquering Earth starts with beating Kristian Prenga. Only then can thoughts of Tyson Fury and another shot at heavyweight supremacy become reality.

Anthony Joshua enters Saturday’s fight carrying renewed confidence, painful memories, and enormous expectations.

His relaxed demeanour suggests a fighter at peace with himself, but his focus remains razor-sharp.

Kristian Prenga may not be the biggest name on Joshua’s résumé, yet he represents the final obstacle before one of  boxing’s most anticipated fights.

If Joshua delivers the performance many expect, the heavyweight division could finally be on course for the blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury that fans have waited years to see.

But first, all eyes will be on Jeddah on Saturday, July 26, as Joshua steps back into the ring against Kristian Prenga in what promises to be the most emotional fight of his career.

All the info you need on how to catch AJ’s huge ring return in Saudi Arabia this weekend