Anthony Joshua is one step away from what may grow to be the most important struggle in British boxing historical past.
The former unified heavyweight champion survived two first-round knockdowns earlier than storming again to cease Kristian Prenga with a devastating second-round knockout Saturday, preserving his date with Tyson Fury after one of many wildest victories of his profession.
Advertisement
Prenga entered the struggle with a 20-1 file and 20 knockouts, however had by no means confronted elite-level opposition. Even so, the heavy-handed challenger almost pulled off an enormous upset, dropping Joshua twice within the opening spherical and placing the long-awaited Fury showdown in severe doubt.
Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images
Joshua Turns the Fight Around
Joshua regrouped rapidly between rounds and got here out with a extra measured strategy within the second.
After re-establishing his distance, he uncorked a crushing proper hand that despatched Prenga collapsing onto the underside rope, forcing the referee to wave off the competition and finishing a dramatic comeback victory.
Advertisement
The win additionally means each Joshua and Fury took care of enterprise this weekend after Fury stopped Mariusz Wach on Friday, shifting boxing one other step nearer to lastly delivering one of many sport’s most anticipated heavyweight matchups.
Anthony Joshua Sends Tyson Fury a Message
Following the struggle, Joshua was requested if he had a message for Fury.
He first laughed whereas borrowing one in every of Mike Tyson’s most memorable post-fight quotes earlier than turning his consideration to the struggle that has eluded boxing followers for years.
Advertisement
“I’mma rip his heart out. I’m the meanest and most vicious champion there’s ever been,” Joshua joked.
He then struck a extra respectful tone.
Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images)
“All jokes aside, there’s two sides of this thing, but also there’s respect. I respect everything he’s done and everything he’s achieved, but as a fighting person, and as someone who has been calling for this fight for a long time, we’re here now.”
Joshua additionally thanked Turki Alalshikh and Eddie Hearn for serving to make the chance attainable.
Advertisement
With Fury and Joshua each rising victorious, the heavyweight division now seems nearer than ever to lastly delivering the long-awaited showdown that boxing followers have been ready years to see.
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2026, the place it first appeared within the Boxing part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.