Dogli Wilberforce
Anthony Joshua’s long-awaited fight with Tyson Fury is moving closer, but promoter Eddie Hearn believes Joshua still has important work to do first. Speaking to Sky Sports after a press conference in London, Hearn rejected claims that Joshua should go straight into a Tyson Fury fight without another bout. Instead, he said Joshua’s July 25 fight against Kristian Prenga is necessary to build confidence and regain valuable ring time before one of the biggest heavyweight boxing matches in recent years.
Joshua, 36, has fought only three times since his knockout loss to Daniel Dubois in September 2024. He defeated Francis Ngannou on points in March 2025 and stopped Jake Paul in a fight that lasted only four competitive rounds. Hearn believes those fights did not provide enough rounds to prepare Joshua for a demanding contest against Fury, who is expected to face him later this year. For Hearn, the Kristian Prenga fight is a key step in Joshua’s preparation.
Eddie Hearn Explains Why Anthony Joshua Needs More Rounds
Hearn said Joshua has not spent enough time in the ring over the past two years to head directly into a Tyson Fury fight.
“He said to us, ‘Oh, you don’t need another fight.’ We had four rounds with Jake Paul, I mean, in two years of boxing, like, come on.”
The Matchroom promoter pointed to Joshua’s recent schedule and argued that more competitive rounds are needed. The former heavyweight champion has been active, but many of his recent victories ended quickly or lacked the type of pressure he could face against Fury.
Hearn believes the Kristian Prenga fight will give Joshua the opportunity to work through a full 10- or 12-round contest. That experience could help sharpen his timing, fitness, and confidence before the fight against Tyson Fury.
Tyson Fury Fight Plans Remain on Track
Hearn also highlighted Fury’s own activity in the ring. Fury went the full 12 rounds with Arslanbek Makhmudov in April at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite that performance, Fury’s camp has suggested that he may also take another fight before facing Joshua.
Hearn questioned criticism of Joshua’s tune-up while Fury appears to be following a similar path.
“You had 12 rounds with Makhmudov at Tottenham. But you still feel like you need more rounds to prepare yourself for Anthony Joshua. But let me tell you something now, more rounds ain’t gonna help you,” Hearn said.
He added that Joshua’s confidence could be the deciding factor if he delivers a strong performance against Prenga. According to Hearn, momentum heading into the Tyson Fury fight is just as important as physical preparation.
Anthony Joshua Targets Momentum Before Tyson Fury Fight
The fight against Kristian Prenga is expected to take place in London and is viewed as a controlled yet meaningful test for Joshua. Prenga has built a respectable heavyweight record and is expected to provide rounds without being considered a major threat to upset the former champion.
Hearn believes a convincing win would put Joshua in the right position before meeting Fury.
“Because I see it. When Makhmudov came forward in that fight, I just knew what AJ was gonna do. If we keep this confidence, if we can go in there and put a great performance together [against Prenga], we go into that Tyson Fury fight with so much momentum. This will be a major moment for the sport. But [the Prenga fight] has to be done.”
For now, the focus remains on July 25. Hearn sees the Kristian Prenga fight as an essential part of Joshua’s path to the Tyson Fury fight, not an optional stop. If Joshua performs well, he will enter one of boxing’s biggest events carrying recent success, valuable rounds, and renewed confidence.
