Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga | DAZN - 25 July 2026

[forcefraser]

Bellew has gone on record saying Prenga carries powahh

[Ruthless-RKO]

Bellew has gone on record saying Prenga carries powahh

Wouldn't expect anything less from Bel.

De Mori carried powahh too no?

[KiwiRider]

There's nothing else listed for this card.
It's in Saudi and this fight is so far the only one.
There has to be something worth turning in for, surely?

[Ruthless-RKO]

There's nothing else listed for this card.
It's in Saudi and this fight is so far the only one.
There has to be something worth turning in for, surely?

I mean it’s only just been announced. What they usually do is announce the undercard together.

You’ll see a post from me soon listing the 3-4 undercard fights.

I can guarantee you we will see Alalev or whatever he’s called.

[KiwiRider]

There's nothing else listed for this card.
It's in Saudi and this fight is so far the only one.
There has to be something worth turning in for, surely?

I mean it’s only just been announced. What they usually do is announce the undercard together.

You’ll see a post from me soon listing the 3-4 undercard fights.

I can guarantee you we will see Alalev or whatever he’s called.

I know Ruthie, your as solid as a morning after the Guinness log.
I just thought, given this is a nothing bullsh*t tune up fight there might have been something decent to actually gain some interest, like a co main event or a multi HW card, the Saudis can afford it.

[londonwar]

Honestly, check out some of his ko's. Often he literally doesn't need to hit them. Worst padded record since early deontay

[JC]

Honestly, check out some of his ko's. Often he literally doesn't need to hit them. Worst padded record since early deontay

All the active Albanian HWs seem to have padded records or be on the way to building them. Not sure why that is.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Kristian Prenga got called up, so Rodney Rice had to go to work

When Kristian Prenga landed a high-profile opportunity to face Anthony Joshua, it left a major hole atop Rodney Rice’s June 6 show at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

The Albanian heavyweight Prenga had originally been scheduled to compete in a 10-round main event against a step-up opponent, but that fight was replaced by a life-changing opportunity to face the former unified heavyweight champion Joshua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Rice’s first reaction was panic.

“First thing I thought was, ‘Oops, I’m in trouble,’” Rice, of RDR Promotions, told Boxing Scene. “When I came to my senses after about an hour, I thought, ‘This is great for him. He has to do this. This is what you get into boxing for: the big opportunities.”

Prenga, whose sizable Albanian fan base travels with him all over the region, had been counted on to move the most tickets of anyone on the card. Losing him could have derailed the entire event. After the initial shock wore off, Rice reshuffled the card. He elevated Newark welterweight Michael “Slick” Anderson, 25-4-1 (19 KOs), into the eight-round main event against Nimal Farmer, 6-1-2 (4 KOs). The co-feature now pits local flyweight Anthony Johns, 11-1 (6 KOs), against Mexico’s Angel Meza Morales, 11-4-3 (7 KOs) in a 10-round fight.

Rice turned to the local scene to rebuild the card, adding heavyweight Norman Neely, 17-1 (12 KOs), plus the debuting Tayvon Fish of nearby Linden, New Jersey. That’s in addition to a few regional rivalry matchups, including a four-round middleweight fight between Long Island, New York's Famous Wilson, 4-0 (2 KOs), and Jersey City's Bernard Gardner, 1-1 (1 KOs), in a rematch of their amateur meeting at the 2019 National Golden Gloves, which Wilson won.

“I was like, ‘You know how to set up a card, you know how to draw a crowd. Now you got to do it at different levels.’ So me and my awesome team went to work on doing some things,” Rice said.

Rice knows all about boxing surprises. A Philadelphia resident, he began promoting in March 2020, just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sporting world. Rice, who had been training amateurs and managing pros since the 2000s, began promoting his own shows after disagreements with local promoters about his fighters. He learned the promotional game while shadowing another Philadelphia promoter, David Feldman, of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. For about five years, Rice learned every aspect of the promotional business, from ticketing and camera operation to show pacing and security coordination.

Rice’s first event, headlined by a boxer he had helped train, Samuel Teah, was an unqualified success. “We blew the 2300 Arena out,” Rice said. “We had to close the door with people still outside in line because we couldn't allow anybody else into the building.”

Now approaching his 40th event, Rice is entering a new market in North Jersey while promoting at his biggest venue yet.

For Anderson, the late promotion to the main event hasn’t altered his approach. A former mailman turned real estate investor, the Newark native Anderson last headlined at Prudential Center in 2024 and has become one of the area’s more reliable ticket sellers.

Farmer, of Philadelphia, is 20 years Anderson’s junior and looking to rebound after suffering his first defeat in November, which was preceded by two draws.

“I always tell myself – even when I was fighting four-rounders – that I’m the main event,” Anderson said. “I tell myself that you have to push yourself to have the best performance because the main event doesn’t always get remembered.

“A lot of times what I get with being an older fighter, they’re gonna fight me harder. They’re gonna say, ‘Let me try to get this older fighter out of here.’ Sometimes I get the best version of the opponents that I’m fighting. I’m with it. I like fighting younger guys because it tests me.”

Anderson, who is trained by Muhammad Abdus Salaam – who also coaches Prenga – says he is happy that his gym mate is getting the opportunity of a lifetime, saying he gave him a hug when he heard the news. Anderson believes he can replace the power and excitement lost with Prenga’s departure.

“If he makes a mistake,” Anderson said of Farmer, “he’s gonna see how hard I hit, and I’m sure he’s never been hit as hard as I’m gonna hit him.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Unbeaten Brit will challenge Josh Kelly for IBF super-welterweight title this summer

The unbeaten British ‘Black Thunder’ lands shot at Josh Kelly’s IBF belt

Belfast’s Caoimhin Agyarko will challenge Josh Kelly for the IBF super-welterweight title this summer.

Agyarko was set to take on the USA’s Brandon Adams for the mandatory position at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, in April, but the American was ruled unable to compete after collapsing prior to the weigh-in.

It left the undefeated 29-year-old fighter – perfect through 18 contests following last September’s narrow points win over Ishmael Davis – waiting on a decision from the IBF as to whether he would automatically be installed as the mandatory challenger for Englishman Kelly (18-1-1).

The IBF instead ordered Agyarko to take on previous champion Bakhram Murtazaliev – who lost the title to Kelly on a majority points decision in January – to fight for the mandatory spot.

However, the Belfast man’s team turned down that scenario, with Adams – who has since received medical clearance – stepping into that slot to take on the 33-year-old Russian.

Instead, Agyarko has been selected by southpaw Kelly as a voluntary defence.

The fight is set to take place this summer, possibly on the undercard of the heavyweight showdown between Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 July, but the Utility Arena in Newcastle in August is also an option.

An official announcement is expected next week.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Eddie Hearn reveals possible fights for Joshua-Prenga undercard:

Josh Kelly Caohmin Agyarko
Hamzah Sheeraz
Johnny Fisher
‘Big’ Heavyweight fight

Hearn also stated Kelly-Agyarko is also a possibility as a UK show in Newcastle. (@IFLTV)

[golden_labrador]

Fight 4: Hearn vs White

[joshj909]

Eddie Hearn reveals possible fights for Joshua-Prenga undercard:

Josh Kelly Caohmin Agyarko
Hamzah Sheeraz
Johnny Fisher
‘Big’ Heavyweight fight

Hearn also stated Kelly-Agyarko is also a possibility as a UK show in Newcastle. (@IFLTV)

Who could the "big heavyweight fight" be? Other than Joshua and Fisher who are already on the card, Eddie's heavyweights are Allen, Thompson, Huni, Pero, Atang and Teremoana. I think we can discount almost all of those. Teremoana Vs Huni is a great fight but I don't think that's good for either of them financially right now as it's a huge gamble. Could he draft in Jarrell Miller again? I don't even think a Jarrell Miller fight is particularly BIG unless he's against Wilder or Ruiz or someone like that maybe?

[gregregegg]

Of eddies heavyweights, fights for a Saudi undercard I’d like to see.

Huni vs Adeley

fisher vs Akpejiori,

Teramoa vs Mourad Aliev or Makhamadov or Hysa or many others even… just get him in a fight. (I’d even be happy with Marius wach or dobvechenko…)

Leo atag Vs wach or dobvichenko (or equivalent)

[Ruthless-RKO]

Launch presser today at 5pm

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Live launch presser

[margaret thatcher]

'the comeback'

funny name for a fight when joshua boxed like 6 months ago

[Ruthless-RKO]

'the comeback'

funny name for a fight when joshua boxed like 6 months ago

Nearly 2 years since he fought a legit opponent

[margaret thatcher]

'the comeback'

funny name for a fight when joshua boxed like 6 months ago

Nearly 2 years since he fought a legit opponent

well that wont change here

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anthony Joshua warns Kristian Prenga that he's digging his own grave

Anthony Joshua has promised he is not looking beyond Kristian Prenga on July 25, even though contracts are signed for a showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year.

Joshua and Prenga went head-to-head in London this evening ahead of their fight in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Joshua has not boxed since his December battering of Jake Paul in Miami.

Of course, Joshua had intended on using the Paul win as a springboard into a big fight at the top of the division, but after he was involved in a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two of his best friends, everything changed.

“We’re strong, we’re focused. It’s a massive year for me,” said the 36-year-old former champion. “When I sat down with Eddie [Hearn] and the team there was opportunity to fight Prenga of course, and then they also said, ‘But we want to extend that deal and give you the opportunity to fight Tyson Fury.’ You put any fighter in that position where I was, they’re saying, ‘Let me sign that contract. Give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship.’ It ain’t about looking past anyone, it’s knowing your purpose and knowing your step forward and moving up the ladder. I’ve got a clear goal, I know what this year’s about, I know how tough this year’s going to be. I’m definitely the man for the job.”

Joshua said he was working hard in Valencia alongside Team Usyk and that he was focused on improving his talent and his skill.

“I want to go in there and show how good I am. When I do that, I put on clinical performances,” Joshua, 29-4 (26 KOs), added.

For their part, Prenga’s team brought some bold, fighting talk, and Joshua seemed to enjoy it.

“These guys just dig a grave,” he smiled. “The grave has already been dug but they keep digging deeper and deeper. I respect every opponent but when I look at myself, I know I’m going to deliver… This is my division… I belong here. I don’t do this as a joke. I do this because it’s what I’m good at, and I’m going to prove it. I’m looking forward to it.”

Joshua said he not only respected his opponent, but he respected the sport and was therefore taking the opponent he will start an overwhelming favorite against seriously.

“Fight hard, fight to win, and if you’re saying Fury [is next], brilliant. But the winning is the true success. Everything else doesn’t matter… Winning is my focus.”

Joshua was then asked whether he was pleased that the deal had been done for him to face Fury next.

“I’m not pleased because the pleasure really comes after victory,” he added. “Signing a contract doesn’t mean nothing. Putting your name on a contract doesn’t mean anything. The real pleasure comes from being victorious.”
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said Joshua was embarking on “one of the great, great” comebacks, referring to the tragedy that happened in Nigeria in December.

“They call this the comeback, which is quite strange because it’s only six months since we saw 'AJ' in the ring in December,” said Hearn. “Obviously everyone’s aware of what happened since [the Paul fight] and for me this is one of the great comebacks and we’re incredibly proud of what he’s done to return to the ring, physically, mentally, boxing is his purpose, boxing is his peace. And when I go out to Valencia and see the training camp with Oleksandr Usyk, I don’t just see Anthony Joshua in the back stages of his career, I see a guy who is more driven, more focused than ever to not just demolish Prenga, not just demolish Tyson Fury but to try and become world heavyweight champion again. The dream now almost feels like more purpose than it ever had.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Kristian Prenga promises Anthony Joshua, 'You've never felt anything like my punch'

New Jersey-based Albanian Kristian Prenga has warned Anthony Joshua about his power ahead of their July 25 bout in Jeddah.

The pair will fight in Saudi Arabia, and at today’s press conference, the 20-1 (20 KOs) Prenga told Joshua that he needs to be ready to feel his power.

“I train hard, I am ready,” said Prenga. “Sorry I’m not good at talking [in fluent English, though he tried and was fine] but I promise you, if I catch you, you’ve never felt anything like my punch. I promise it. You’re a great fighter but in the ring, I don’t have respect for nobody.”

Prenga said he was training hard and felt more ready than ever. The 6ft 5ins fighter dropped an eight-round decision early in his career to the then 1-2 Giovanni Auriemma, but since then, only one opponent in his next 15 has made it beyond the third round, and that was Joey Dawejko, who got into the fifth.

“I think I’m going to shock the world,” he added.

That sentiment was agreed by his manager, Keith Sullivan, who said Matchroom Boxing had made a “miscalculation” with their prized asset and that his man “was coming for it all.”

Prenga also said he didn’t mind if more people were talking about Joshua’s proposed fight later in the year with Tyson Fury.

“Being underestimated is actually a positive thing for me,” said Prenga. “Planning before is trying to be bigger than God, and no one is. You’ve got to go with God’s plans and then you will become a winner. On July 25 I will show it’s God’s plans.”

And despite saying all the right things, the 35-year-old who turned pro four years after Joshua won Olympic gold at the London Olympics, admitted he was shocked when he heard that he was in the frame to fight the former champion.

“When my manager called me, he said, ‘You’re going to have a big opportunity, you can fight with AJ.’ First, I didn’t believe it. But I said, ‘Let’s go.’ It’s my time now. I respect him. He’s a great fighter. I watched him from the first fight [professional debut], always. I grew up with him, but everything he has… I think now is my time. I need to show the world.

"I’m going to do my best. I promise.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Joshua Didn’t Consider Retiring After Car Crash Killed Two Friends

Anthony Joshua never considered retirement in the aftermath of the horrific crash which claimed the lives of his two close friends.

Instead, the two-time heavyweight champion insisted that it is boxing that gives his life purpose after he walked away from the accident that day with only minor injuries. Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) took part in his first launch press conference of the year Monday afternoon in London ahead of his fight with huge underdog Kristian Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) on July 25 at Jeddah Superdome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The event is appropriately promoted as “The Comeback.”

It was also the first time Joshua has faced the media since Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, his close friends and camp members, were tragically killed December 29 as they all travelled in the same vehicle just outside Lagos, Nigeria.

It was unclear at first whether Joshua would ever box again. Even Eddie Hearn, his promoter for his entire boxing career, doubted if he would return.

But when asked Monday whether he had contemplated retirement during those early stages of grieving, Joshua was unequivocal in his response.

“No because this is my purpose,” Joshua told a small clutch of reporters. “Boxing is not only good for the competitive side of things, but it’s quite therapeutic and gives us a lot of purpose. I think that’s what it does for me.

“I know this is the place where I’m most comfortable. I know that it gives me a lot of purpose in my life. I’m content being here with you guys. This is where I feel most comfortable.”

It was on January 29 when Joshua first surfaced publicly following the accident, with a video uploaded to his social media accounts, entitled “My Brothers Keeper For Life.” In it, he paid tribute to his friends and vowed to box on to honor both them and their families.

However, he didn’t return to training camp until many weeks after that.

“Really it was only about two months ago,” Joshua said, when asked when he had felt ready to return to training. “I was obviously training, but there are levels of training and it was two months ago that I really started ramping things up. It has been good. Pre-camp [went] well and I feel solid. I can obviously get fitter, stronger and I can push myself more, but I’m in a good place for where I am now.”

So, was that about feeling ready mentally or physically?

“Physically because I’m mentally very strong,” Joshua said. “It was just physically you’ve got to get yourself ready for sparring. We’re here, the comeback. This brings purpose to what you’re doing in training camp.”

While Joshua put on a brave face for the media, there is no denying that the 36-year-old endured a deeply traumatic experience fewer than six months ago. Joshua admitted that he has dealt with the loss by attempting to bury his emotions for a “later stage.”

“It’s not for everyone, but I think for me that’s the best way for me to handle the situation,” Joshua said. “It’s not about me; it’s bigger than me. Everyone’s different, but for me I have to put my emotion to the side because I just focus on their parents. My emotions can come at a later stage, but I really look at the parents and understand it must be most difficult for them.

“I’ve always been dedicated. It’s not about being more, but it’s definitely different. I’m just there for their parents. That’s for me, number one, being a good soldier for them. I’ve got to look after the boys’ parents. I don’t make it about me, I make it about the mums and the dads of the two boys.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

Joshua promises to produce clinical display vs. Prenga

Anthony Joshua is motivated to deliver a spiteful showing against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah next month.
Another stoppage victory would help kickstart what the two-time unified heavyweight champion described as a 'massive year' for his world title aspirations.

Little-known Albanian puncher Kristian Prenga has been deemed the final hurdle before a long-awaited Tyson Fury showdown for Joshua, who hears all of the noise.

He would've heard news of Team Prenga warning Joshua's handlers about an impending upset on July 25.
Prenga's manager Keith Sullivan fanned the flames here saying he was shocked at the miscalculation Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn and Team Joshua had made.

"What they have is a live dog coming for it all, a win-win fight for Prenga. Unfortunately for Joshua, this is a lose-lose for you, the situation your team has placed you in is untenable and it's shocking that Eddie and his team chose to take on a heavy-handed heavyweight with their prized possession."

Rather than grow agitated, Joshua welcomed an intensity change as time wears down before a must-win matchup.

There were a series of names floated for Joshua's return, having not boxed a heavyweight since his fifth-round stoppage defeat by Daniel Dubois in their September 2024 IBF title fight.

Cassius Chaney (24-4, 17 KOs) was mentioned for the "The Ring IV: Night of the Champions" card in Riyadh on November 22, before opting for a more lucrative opportunity to headline a Miami card the following month against cruiserweight hopeful Jake Paul. Seeking more activity in the final years of his career, Rico Verhoeven was slated to be Joshua's next opponent in February before tragedy struck while holidaying in Nigeria on December 29.

Even still, many were unimpressed upon hearing Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) was handed the assignment. A club fighter known most notably on the New Jersey scene stateside, even the Albanian couldn't contain his surprise.

"To be honest when my manager called me and said 'you're gonna fight Joshua', I didn't believe it but I said let's go, it's my time now," Prenga said at the launch press conference.

"I respect him, he's a great fighter and I watched him from the first fight [debut], I grew up with him, now is my time. I train hard, more than ever, feel great, ready and think I'll shock the world."

"They just dig a grave, digging deeper and deeper," Joshua (29-4, 26 KOs) replied on the dais in response.

"I'll do what I need to do, I respect him and every opponent but when I look at myself, I know what I'm gonna do and I'll deliver. All the talk is cheap, we will see. This is my division. I belong here, I don't do this as a joke, this is what I'm good at. It's not about him, it's about me."

He then asked Prenga to bring his best and show the 36-year-old no respect come fight night, as he'll be doing the same after some early film study on another opponent promising a career-best display at his expense.

Prenga might appear a soft touch on paper, but the former two-time European kickboxing champion transitioned into the sport late with little amateur experience and has much to gain from exceeding expectations.

Long-reigning GLORY champion Verhoeven did exactly the same against Joshua's former foe-turned-friend Oleksandr Usyk in Egypt last month and the jeopardy is heightened given the carrot dangling afterwards.

"This is my job. I've got an opportunity to work, a chance to improve. I'm really focusing on improving my talent and skill," Joshua said.

"This training camp isn't about getting fit, strong, I really want to improve my boxing IQ and show how good I am because when I do that, I put on clinical performances.

When asked about what he's been improving from immersing himself in life with Team Usyk, Joshua talked about his conditioning and enhanced defensive skills.

"Boxing fitness, IQ, defense, I understand it and can really read punches again. My eyes are fully locked in on my focus, I can see the punches and read the opponent really well, my mind is like that [tunnel vision], isn't focused on too much other stuff."

[Ruthless-RKO]

Anthony Joshua vs Kristian Prenga: Eddie Hearn praises AJ's resilience ahead of July return and future Tyson Fury fight

Anthony Joshua faces Kristian Prenga on July 25 in a warm-up fight ahead of a likely Tyson Fury showdown; promoter Eddie Hearn spoke to Sky Sports News to discuss Joshua's preparation and how he will be motivated by the deaths of his two childhood friends in December's car crash

Eddie Hearn believes supporting the families of the friends lost in last December's car crash has given Anthony Joshua added motivation to succeed in his latest comeback.

Joshua takes on Albanian Kristian Prenga in Jeddah on July 25, his first appearance since being involved in a car crash last December that killed two of his training team.

The two-time heavyweight champion took an extended period away after the deaths of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both childhood friends, with initial doubts about whether Joshua would return to boxing.

Joshua vowed he will be "stronger than ever" when he faces Prenga, ahead of a potential showdown with Tyson Fury later in the year, while his promoter Hearn believes the 36-year-old can use the loss of his two friends as fuel to perform.

"They're billing this fight as the comeback - he only fought six months ago, but this is one of the greatest comebacks, because of where he was physically, mentally, emotionally," Hearn told Sky Sports. "He stepped up to the plate and he never shied away from it.

"He comes back with so much vengeance and emotion because he does it for Sina [Ghami] and 'Latz' [Latif] Ayodele. The strength and the support that he's given to the family, is absolute priority to him.

"Every day he's in there training harder than you can imagine in this training camp to achieve his dreams. We need to celebrate great individuals, great athletes, but also people with a never-say-die attitude, like Anthony, who's got it all.

"He's got all the money in the world. He's a two-time world heavyweight champion. Yet he's over there [in Spain], away from everybody, in isolation, training three times a day till he can't train any more.

"He wants it more now than he's ever wanted it before."

Supporting friends' family 'a priority over the fight' for Joshua

Joshua said in Monday's press conference he was putting aside his own emotions to be "a good soldier" for the grieving parents of Ghami and Ayodele, with Hearn confirming that helping others continues to be Joshua's primary concern.

"There is absolutely no doubt those two great men [Ghami and Ayodele] would have wanted AJ to come back even stronger through this," Hearn added.

"AJ's top priority is to protect and support those people. Probably a priority over the fight and everything and, like I said, he has stepped up to that plate. Even when the accident happened, even when the injuries had occurred, the only thing on his mind was to be there for other people.

"What people didn't see was not just the emotional pain and the mental pain, but the physical pain that he was in from that accident. It was only two or three weeks after that, he was back in rehab.

"He wants it more now than when he didn't have anything. Before Olympic championships, before World Championship silvers, when he was just in Finchley and he was dreaming one day of bettering his life and making money and becoming a world champion.

"He wants it more now when he's got everything. What does that tell you about the individual? It tells you he's a true competitor - but you've got to be good enough.

"Now he's got to go in there and he's got to brutalise [Kristian] Prenga on July 25. We've got to go into that Fury fight with momentum and that aggression and that volatility to go and do a job on Tyson Fury."

[rhino222]

Are Joshuas advisors making a big mistake putting him in with a puncher?

Ive studied Prenga, yes he isnt brilliant but ive seen worse, he can jab and hold, has a reasonable back hand but throws a lovely backhand uppercut when in the pocket. He is also big and rangy, which means Joshua really doesnt need to go backwards in straight lines (which he does)

Joshua isnt what he was, thats for sure. Jake Paul managed to tag Joshua, what happens if Prenga clips him like Jake did?

is this another Amir Khan v Breidis Prescott waiting to happen.

Should his management really have put him in with a feather fisted opponent that would give him rounds instead of a heavy handed rangy fighter.