Dogli Wilberforce
Anthony Joshua faces an unexpected threat to his comeback after Kristian Prenga declared he will stop him and prevent a long-awaited fight with Tyson Fury. The two heavyweights came face-to-face at a launch press conference ahead of their July 25 showdown in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While many see the bout as a stepping stone for Joshua, Prenga made it clear he has other ideas.
The 35-year-old enters the fight with a 20-1 record and has stopped every opponent he has beaten. Joshua, a former two-time world heavyweight champion, is looking to rebuild his position in the division and stay on course for a major showdown with Fury later in 2026. But Prenga believes he will change those plans with a knockout victory.
Kristian Prenga Predicts Anthony Joshua Knockout
Kristian Prenga did not hold back when discussing his chances against Anthony Joshua with TalkSPORT Boxing. The Albanian contender said he expects to win by stoppage and prevent Joshua from reaching a planned fight with Tyson Fury.
“Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury is not happening. I’m going to cancel that fight. Knockout, brother. I’m not going for a fight but I am going to win. You never see the Albanian punchers. I’ve been waiting for a long time for this big fight coming up.”
Prenga repeated his prediction during the media event, insisting he would secure a knockout on July 25.
The heavyweight from Orosh, Albania, now lives in Edgewater, New Jersey. He brings a record of 20 wins and one loss into the fight, with all 20 victories coming by knockout. His only defeat came in 2017 when he lost a unanimous decision to Giovanni Auriemma. Since then, he has won 14 straight fights, all by stoppage.
His most recent victory came in February 2026 when he knocked out Joe Jones in the first round.
Anthony Joshua Fight Carries Major Stakes
The Anthony Joshua fight is an important step in the British star’s return to title contention. Joshua enters the contest with a record of 29-4 and 26 knockouts.
The 36-year-old has signed a multi-fight agreement with Saudi boxing promoter Turki Alalshikh. The July 25 event will stream on DAZN and is viewed as a key fight before Joshua pursues bigger opportunities later in the year.
Promoter Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing have presented the bout as a chance for Joshua to show progress under his current training setup and remain active in the ring.
Joshua has taken a measured approach to the matchup. Rather than focusing on future opponents, he has stressed the importance of handling Prenga first.
That approach reflects the risks involved. A loss would be a major setback for Joshua at a stage where every fight carries added importance.
Tyson Fury Fight Depends on July 25 Result
Much of the attention surrounding the Anthony Joshua fight comes from what could follow. Joshua is targeting a blockbuster clash with Tyson Fury in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The proposed matchup would finally bring together two of Britain’s biggest heavyweight stars after years of discussions and missed opportunities. It remains one of the most anticipated fights in boxing.
Prenga understands what is at stake and sees the event as his opportunity to reach the sport’s highest level.
“I will cancel that fight. I’ll be winning July 25th – knockout.”
For now, the focus remains on July 25 in Jeddah. Fans will watch closely to see whether Prenga can deliver on his prediction or whether Joshua can move one step closer to the Tyson Fury fight he has been chasing.
