Joshua faces questions after Prenga fight, Fury’s performance uninspiring
Joshua’s Dramatic Comeback in Jeddah
Anthony Joshua, a former two-time world champion, secured a dramatic knockout victory against Kristian Prenga in the second round of their non-title heavyweight bout in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The fight, which lasted just five minutes and 43 seconds, saw Joshua overcome two knockdowns before stopping the Albanian fighter.
The contest was widely viewed as a crucial step for Joshua before a highly anticipated fight with Tyson Fury. However, the path to victory was not straightforward, as Prenga, who entered the match with a 20-1 record including 20 knockouts, presented a significant challenge.
Joshua’s return to the ring marked his first appearance since a car crash in Nigeria in December, an incident that resulted in the loss of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, and left Joshua with injuries. He paid tribute to his friends after the fight, stating that his performance was driven by their spirit.
Early Challenges and a Sudden Turnaround
The fight began with immediate drama. Within 20 seconds of the first round, Joshua was rocked by a sweeping right hand, the first significant punch of the fight, which set him up for Prenga’s uppercut. Joshua was subsequently floored by an uppercut inside 30 seconds and appeared visibly shaken after beating the count.
Prenga knocked Joshua down again shortly after, though Joshua managed to rise before the count concluded and survived the round. During these moments, Joshua’s punch resistance appeared to be a concern, with reports noting his vulnerability to Prenga’s right hand, even without excessive force.
Despite the early setbacks, the momentum of the fight shifted dramatically between rounds. In the second round, Joshua unleashed a series of punches, ultimately finishing Prenga with a right hook that sent the Albanian through the bottom ropes. This turnaround surprised many, including heavyweight Oleksandr Usyk, who was observed ringside.
Joshua acknowledged the difficulty of the fight, stating he learned a valuable lesson to “start faster.” He also reflected on the “tough moment” and how it served as a “real good eyeopener.”
Implications for a Potential Fury Bout
The victory preserved the possibility of an all-British showdown between Joshua and Fury. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed that contracts had been signed for a fight between the two, contingent on their respective warm-up bouts this weekend. Hearn noted that no one truly understood what Joshua had endured over the past seven months.
Fury also played his part, emerging from retirement this year to defeat Mariusz Wach, a 46-year-old Polish heavyweight, in Thailand on Friday night. Fury’s victory came after seven one-sided rounds, with Wach retiring from the bout.
However, reports suggest that Fury’s performance against Wach was uninspiring, with Wach managing to land a few punches. While Fury is described as a fighter to his core, his elusiveness as a ring technician is said to have diminished.
The signed contracts reportedly stipulate that the fight between Joshua and Fury will take place in the UK in November. However, there is now widespread expectation that the contest could be moved to the US, potentially leading to new contracts and further delays for the event.
Joshua’s performance against Prenga has raised questions about his ability to absorb heavy punishment, particularly against younger, more formidable heavyweights. Despite the concerns, the prospect of a fight between Joshua and Fury continues to generate significant interest, combining both the potential for a major spectacle and considerable financial stakes.
Joshua improved his fight record to 30-4 (27 KOs) following his victory over Prenga.
Source: theguardian.com
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
