Kristian Prenga Promises To Stun Anthony Joshua In Saudi Arabia

Kristian Prenga has issued a bold warning to Anthony Joshua ahead of their highly anticipated heavyweight showdown in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 25, declaring that the former world champion is about to face a level of punching power unlike anything he has experienced before.

According to Ireporter Online, the Albanian heavyweight made the remarks during a pre-fight press conference, where he brushed aside suggestions that he is the underdog and expressed confidence in his ability to produce one of the biggest upsets in recent heavyweight boxing history.

Prenga stated that he has prepared extensively for the contest and insisted Joshua would struggle if he landed a clean punch. While acknowledging Joshua’s accomplishments, he stressed that respect would have no place once the opening bell rings.

The New Jersey-based fighter heads into the bout with an impressive professional record of 20 victories and just one defeat, with every one of his wins coming by knockout. Since losing on points to Giovanni Auriemma early in his career, Prenga has established himself as a feared knockout specialist, with only one of his last 15 opponents lasting beyond the third round.

Confident in his chances, the 35-year-old predicted that his performance in Saudi Arabia would surprise boxing fans across the world.

His manager, Keith Sullivan, shared the same optimism, arguing that Joshua’s camp had made a significant error by choosing Prenga as an opponent and insisting his fighter is fully prepared to capitalize on the biggest opportunity of his career.

Prenga also revealed that being underestimated serves as extra motivation, saying he believes success comes from following God’s plan rather than human expectations. He maintained that July 25 would prove his faith and determination right.

Recalling how he learned about the fight, Prenga admitted he was initially shocked when his manager informed him of the opportunity to face Joshua. Although he has admired the British-Nigerian boxer throughout his career and respects his achievements, Prenga believes the time has come to announce himself on the global stage and promised to give everything inside the ring.

Meanwhile, Joshua said he is entering the contest with renewed mental strength as he prepares for his first appearance since December 2025. The two-time world champion disclosed that boxing has helped him regain focus after the tragic loss of two close friends in a car accident in Nigeria late last year.

Joshua expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete again, adding that he is striving to become stronger not only physically but mentally, describing himself as more resilient than he ever imagined.

The former unified heavyweight champion also dismissed suggestions that speculation surrounding a potential future fight with Tyson Fury could distract him, emphasizing that signing contracts means little without securing victory inside the ring.