Anthony Joshua has announced who he will be facing next time he takes to the ring, but has been warned not to overlook a dangerous opponent.
Joshua has been out of action since December, when he started slowly against YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul. By the time the sixth round came around, however, the former unified champion found a huge right hand that knocked Paul to the canvas and unable to continue.
It was his first win since being stopped by Daniel Dubois while challenging for the IBF title back in September 2024, though back in December, he was involved in a car accident in Nigeria that saw him lose two close friends and team members, which put his career on hold.
Now he is set to return against Albanian Kristian Prenga on July 25 in Saudi Arabia, and speaking about the fight, Prenga backed himself to get the upset win.
“Anthony Joshua is a great fighter, but he made a terrible miscalculation in picking me as his opponent. This is the kind of fight that changes everything in my life and his.
“I know they have big plans ahead after this fight. I know they are overlooking me. I’m happy about that. I will derail their plans and shock the world this July in Saudi Arabia.”
Prenga is 35 years old and fights out of New Jersey in the United States. He has won 20 of his 21 fights so far, all of which have come by way of knockout, though mostly against journeymen. He is yet to challenge even a fringe level contender, so faces an uphill struggle against Joshua.
Provided that Joshua wins as expected, he is then set to head into a long-awaited showdown with countryman Tyson Fury.
