Joshua knocks out Prenga after being floored twice, Fury fight moves closer
8 reported2 unconfirmed
Anthony Joshua knocked out Kristian Prenga in the second round of their fight in Jeddah on Saturday, recovering from being knocked down twice within the first 20 seconds. The victory keeps Joshua on course for a heavyweight showdown with British rival Tyson Fury, with contracts already signed for a potential November bout, though no venue has been announced. Joshua’s first outing since a December car crash that killed friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele saw him hit the canvas from a vicious uppercut before he responded with right hands to stop Prenga. Prenga, an Albanian knockout specialist, had recorded all 20 of his victories by knockout and had won 16 consecutive fights since his only career defeat in February 2017. Joshua dedicated the win to his late team members, saying it was “spirit” and naming Ghami and Ayodele. Fury completed his own stoppage victory over Polish veteran Mariusz Wach on Friday in a non-televised bout in Thailand, and has questioned whether Joshua would have the “guts” to challenge him. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said America is the preferred venue for fight organiser Turki Alalshikh, though a UK time of 2am at Wembley Stadium has also been discussed.
What’s reported
Anthony Joshua knocked out Kristian Prenga in the second round after being knocked down twice inside the first 20 seconds.
The fight took place in Jeddah on Saturday, July 26, 2026.
Joshua’s victory was his 30th win in 34 fights and his second in a row, following a win over Jake Paul last year.
Prenga had recorded all 20 of his victories by knockout and had won his previous 16 contests since a first career defeat in February 2017.
Joshua dedicated the win to Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, who died in a car crash in December that also involved Joshua.
Tyson Fury won his own stoppage victory over Mariusz Wach on Friday in a non-televised bout in Thailand.
Contracts for a Joshua-Fury fight have been signed, with a potential November date, but no venue has been announced.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said America is the preferred venue for fight organiser Turki Alalshikh; a 2am UK time at Wembley Stadium has also been discussed.
Open questions
The exact date and venue for the potential Joshua-Fury fight have not been announced.
Whether Fury will travel to Saudi Arabia for a face-off with Joshua remains unclear, as he vowed not to do so after his win.
Key figures
Anthony Joshua, British heavyweight boxer
Kristian Prenga, Albanian boxer
Tyson Fury, British heavyweight boxer
Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter
Turki Alalshikh, fight organiser
Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele, friends of Joshua who died in a car crash
Mariusz Wach, Polish boxer
Sources: Sky Sports
