The victory in Jeddah keeps Joshua on course for a long-awaited heavyweight showdown with British rival Tyson Fury later this year.
British Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua fought back from an early scare to stop Albanian Kristian Prenga in the second round on Saturday night before delivering an emotional tribute to his late friends and team members, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
The victory in Jeddah keeps Joshua on course for a long-awaited heavyweight showdown with British rival Tyson Fury later this year.
According to Sky News, Joshua was knocked down twice inside the opening 20 seconds after being caught by a vicious uppercut from the Albanian knockout specialist, raising fears of a major upset.
However, the former world champion responded emphatically, flattening Prenga with a barrage of right hands in the second round to secure his 30th career victory.
The fight marked Joshua’s first appearance since he survived a car crash in December that claimed the lives of Ghami and Ayodele.
Speaking after the bout, an emotional Joshua dedicated the win to his late friends.
“It’s 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. It’s my brothers. I don’t want to talk about it.”
Fury had also recorded a stoppage victory on Friday, defeating Polish veteran Mariusz Wach in a non-televised contest in Thailand. Although Fury later said he would not travel to Saudi Arabia for a face-off with Joshua, both fighters remain on course for a potential November clash.
Prenga entered the fight with all 20 of his previous victories coming by knockout and had won 16 consecutive bouts since suffering his only career defeat in February 2017.
With both Joshua and Fury emerging victorious over the weekend and contracts reportedly already signed, their long-awaited showdown now appears set for the autumn.
The bout could reportedly take place at Wembley Stadium at 2 a.m. UK time to accommodate a global audience, although Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has indicated that the United States remains the preferred venue for fight organiser Turki Alalshikh.
Joshua also fired a warning to Fury after the fight.
“I am going to rip his heart out. I am the meanest and most vicious champion there has ever been!
“All jokes aside, I respect everything he has done and achieved but we are here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”
The former heavyweight champion also praised Prenga for his performance.
“He’s a strong guy and I think Eddie [Hearn] wants to sign him now!
“He is going to do well and has a bright future. Maybe with a bit more experience, he will be up there with the rest of us.
“He is strong and durable and gave me a good test but this is what champions do, we rise. We get knocked down and stand up. That’s life.”
