Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua produced a dramatic comeback on Saturday, recovering from two first-round knockdowns to stop Kristian Prenga in the second round and keep alive plans for a blockbuster fight against Tyson Fury.
Joshua endured one of the most difficult starts of his career after Prenga caught him with a powerful uppercut less than 30 seconds into the contest, sending the British-Nigerian boxer crashing to the canvas.
Although he beat the referee’s count, Joshua appeared shaken and was dropped for a second time moments later. He managed to survive the remainder of the opening round, avoiding what would have been one of the biggest upsets of his career.
The fight took a dramatic turn in the second round.
Joshua regained his composure and began pressing forward with renewed aggression, forcing Prenga onto the back foot with a series of heavy combinations. He eventually ended the contest with a devastating right hook that sent his opponent tumbling through the bottom rope, prompting the referee to wave off the fight.
The stunning turnaround left fans inside the arena stunned, with reigning heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, who was watching ringside, visibly reacting to the dramatic finish.
The victory keeps Joshua on course for a long-awaited showdown with Tyson Fury, a fight that has been discussed for years. Promoter Eddie Hearn previously revealed that both heavyweight stars had agreed to face each other later this year, provided they emerged victorious from their respective warm-up bouts.
Speaking after the fight, Joshua said he was looking forward to delivering the contest boxing fans have long anticipated.
“I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”
The emotional victory carried extra significance for Joshua, as it marked his first fight since surviving a fatal car accident in Nigeria last December that claimed the lives of his close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele.
Fighting back tears, the 36-year-old dedicated the win to their memory.
“It’s more than punch power. That was spirit. That was Latz and Sina. That was the family.
“He gave me a good test but this is what champions do, we rise. We get knocked down and stand up. That is life’s motto.”
With the victory, Joshua improves his professional record to 30 wins and four defeats, including 27 knockout victories. At the same time, boxing fans now await official confirmation of what could become one of the biggest heavyweight fights in recent history against Tyson Fury.
