British Nigerian heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua has dismissed Kristian Prenga’s confident pre-fight claims, warning the Albanian contender that his words will only make matters worse when they meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25
Joshua, a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, was reacting to Prenga’s bold comments at their press conference, where the Albanian vowed to give him an experience unlike anything he has faced inside the ring.
Rather than engage in a war of words, Joshua suggested his opponent was creating more problems for himself. “I think these guys just dig their grave,” Joshua told DAZN.
“Their grave’s already been dug, but they just keep digging deeper and deeper and deeper, and I’m just going to do what I need to do. I’ve got full belief. I just know exactly what I need to do. I’m not worrying. I respect him. I respect every opponent, but when I look at myself, I know what I got to do, and I’m going to deliver.”
Naija News reports that the 36-year-old has not fought since stopping American Jake Paul in six rounds in Miami last December, a result that improved his professional record to 29 wins and four defeats.
Joshua has also spoken about entering a new phase of his career, both mentally and physically. The heavyweight star said he has found fresh motivation after enduring personal tragedy following the deaths of two close friends in a car accident in Sagamu, Nigeria, late last year.
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While much of the boxing world is already looking ahead to a potential all-British clash with Tyson Fury in November, Joshua insisted his immediate focus remains on Prenga.
He said, “Give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship. It isn’t about looking past anyone; it’s just knowing your purpose and knowing your steps forward and moving up the ladder.
“I’ve got a clear goal, I know what this year is about, I know how tough this year is going to be. I’ve been training hard, that’s my life.”
Prenga, 35, heads into the game with a formidable record of 20 wins and one defeat, with every win coming by knockout.
The Albanian heavyweight last fought in February when he stopped American Joe Jones in the opening round in Atlantic City. Standing at 6ft 5in, Prenga has repeatedly claimed that Joshua has never faced punching power comparable to his own.
“I think I’m going to shock the world,” Prenga said during the press conference.
His manager, Keith Sullivan, also backed the underdog’s chances, arguing that Matchroom Boxing may have underestimated the threat posed by Prenga.
The bout is expected to serve as a crucial test for Joshua as he pursues another shot at heavyweight gold and a long-awaited showdown with Fury later this year.
