Prenga Promises to Shock Joshua in Jeddah Fight

Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga has sent a strong warning to British-Nigerian Anthony Joshua. He plans to deliver something Joshua has never experienced in the ring when they meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25.

At a press conference before the fight, Prenga, who has a record of 20 wins and 1 loss, made it clear he aims to cause an upset. Many see him as the underdog in this matchup.

“I train hard, I am ready. I promise you, if I catch you, you’ve never felt anything like my punch. I promise it. You’re a great fighter, but in the ring, I don’t have respect for nobody,” Prenga said.

The 35-year-old stands six feet five inches tall. He has been on fire in the ring lately. He lost to Giovanni Auriemma early in his career, but after that, only one of his next 15 opponents lasted past the third round. That was Joey Dawejko, who made it to the fifth round.

“I think I’m going to shock the world,” Prenga added.

His manager, Keith Sullivan, agreed, saying Matchroom Boxing made a “miscalculation” with Joshua. Sullivan believes Prenga is “coming for it all.”

Prenga also mentioned that being underestimated helps him. He believes the result of the fight is in God’s hands.

“Being underestimated is actually a positive thing for me. Planning before is trying to be bigger than God, and no one is. You’ve got to go with God’s plans, and then you will become a winner. On July 25, I will show it’s God’s plans,” he said.

Prenga shared that he was shocked when he got the call for this big fight.

“When my manager called me, he said, ‘You’re going to have a big opportunity, you can fight with AJ.’ First, I didn’t believe it. But I said, ‘Let’s go.’ It’s my time now. I respect him. He’s a great fighter. I watched him from the first fight, always. I grew up with him, but everything he has, I think now is my time. I need to show the world. I’m going to do my best. I promise,” Prenga said.

Joshua has stated he is mentally and physically stronger than ever as he prepares for his comeback. The two-time world champion has not fought since December 2025. He told Sky Sports that boxing has given him new purpose after losing two friends in a car crash in Nigeria late last year.

“I feel solid. This is where I want to be. I’m very grateful for this opportunity. It’s nice doing what I love,” Joshua said.

“I’m building myself up to be stronger than I’ve ever been, not only physically, because that’s natural, but mentally. I’ve realised I’m a lot stronger than I ever thought I was.”

Joshua also warned against reading too much into the signing of a deal for a future fight with Tyson Fury. He said only winning will make him happy.

“I’m not pleased because the pleasure really comes after victory. Signing a contract doesn’t mean anything. Winning is the only true success,” he said.