Kristian Prenga Vows Early Knockout Against Anthony Joshua

Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga has promised to stop former world champion Anthony Joshua before the 10th round when the pair meet in Saudi Arabia on July 26.

Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Kristian Prenga made it clear he is not travelling to the Middle East to make up the numbers.

The hard-hitting Albanian said Joshua should prepare for a different kind of challenge, insisting his power will be too much for the British star.

“He went through a lot of stuff,” Prenga said with the assistance of a translator while also using his English to the best of his ability.

“He was out of boxing for a while, he had the car accident which I feel sorry [for him], and it’s my time. I believe [I knock him out]. I promise you it’s not going to go 10 rounds, the fight.”

Prenga, who describes himself as a fighter rather than a boxer, believes he is capable of producing one of the biggest upsets in recent heavyweight history.

“I’m a fighter. I’m not a boxer, I’m a fighter. I fight…I’m going to shock the world, brother. I’m going to shock the world,” he said.

The bout is being viewed as a crucial comeback fight for Joshua ahead of a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury. However, the former two-time unified heavyweight champion has brushed aside Prenga’s bold predictions.

“These guys, they just dig a grave. The grave’s already been dug, but they keep digging deeper and deeper,” Joshua said, while challenging his opponent to show him no respect once they step inside the ring.

Joshua enters the bout with a professional record of 29 victories, including 26 knockouts, and four defeats. It will be his first appearance since surviving a serious car accident in Nigeria in December 2025, making the Saudi showdown a pivotal moment in his return.

A convincing victory would keep Joshua on course for future world title opportunities and strengthen the case for a long-awaited clash with Fury.