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Joshua survives knockdowns, stops Prenga
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

Joshua survives knockdowns, stops Prenga

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Anthony Joshua secured a second-round knockout victory over Kristian Prenga in his return to the ring.
  • Joshua survived two early knockdowns in the first round before staging a comeback.
  • The win sets up a potential blockbuster bout with fellow British heavyweight Tyson Fury.

Two-time heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua made a triumphant return to the ring on Sunday, surviving two early knockdowns to defeat Kristian Prenga by knockout in the second round. The fight at Jeddah Superdome marked Joshua's first bout since a car crash in December that claimed the lives of two close friends.

Visibly emotional when asked about his friends, Joshua dedicated his comeback victory to them and his family, stating, "That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina. That was family." This win follows a challenging period for the boxer, including the fatal car crash and a previous knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024.

That was spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina. That was family.

— Anthony JoshuaJoshua explaining the motivation behind his comeback victory after surviving knockdowns.

Prenga, known for his knockout power, sent Joshua to the canvas twice in the opening round. However, Joshua weathered the storm and regained control in the second round. He cornered Prenga and delivered a decisive combination, ending the fight at 2:43 of the second round. Joshua’s record now stands at 30 wins (27 by knockout) and 4 losses.

The victory paves the way for a highly anticipated "Battle of Britain" against Tyson Fury, another former two-time heavyweight world champion. Fury also recently secured a win, stopping Mariusz Wach in Thailand, and is expected to face Joshua in November. Joshua issued a bold challenge to Fury, declaring, "I'm gonna rip his heart out! I'm the meanest, most vicious champion that has ever been."

I'm gonna rip his heart out! I'm the meanest, most vicious champion that has ever been. Nobody can stop me.

— Anthony JoshuaJoshua's message to Tyson Fury following his victory.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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