Joshua warns Prenga before July 25 fight

British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has responded to Kristian Prenga’s pre-fight comments. He told the Albanian heavyweight that he is just digging his own grave ahead of their bout on July 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Joshua has not fought since he stopped American Jake Paul in six rounds in Miami last December. That win brought his professional record to 29 wins and 4 losses. He reacted to Prenga’s bold claims during their press conference. The Albanian said he would deliver something Joshua has never felt in the ring.

“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.”

The 36-year-old two-time unified world heavyweight champion said he is mentally and physically stronger than ever. He found new strength after a tough time following the deaths of two close friends in a car accident in Sagamu, Nigeria, last December.

Joshua stated that Prenga is just one step on a path that leads to Tyson Fury. Their expected all-British showdown is set for November. But Joshua said he is not underestimating the Albanian.

“Give me the opportunity to fight Prenga, give me the opportunity to fight Fury, give me the opportunity to fight for the championship. It ain’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,” he said.

Prenga, 35, has a record of 20 wins and 1 loss, with all 20 of his wins coming by knockout. He last fought in February, stopping American Joe Jones in the first round in Atlantic City. Prenga stands six feet five inches tall and has claimed that Joshua has never faced his punching power.

“I think I’m going to shock the world,” Prenga said at the press conference. His manager, Keith Sullivan, also claimed that Matchroom Boxing had made a “miscalculation” with their star fighter.