Prenga Escapes Joshua’s Fury as Devastating Knockout Leaves Him Thankful to Walk Out of the Ring Alive
Former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of his career on Saturday night, rising from two first-round knockdowns to stop Albania’s Kristian Prenga with a devastating second-round knockout in a thrilling heavyweight clash.
Joshua endured a nightmare opening round as Prenga stormed out aggressively, flooring the British-Nigerian within the first 20 seconds with a thunderous uppercut followed by a crushing overhand right. Although Joshua beat the count, he was still visibly shaken, allowing Prenga to trap him against the ropes and unleash another barrage that sent the former world champion crashing to the canvas for a second time before the bell.
But the fight turned on its head in spectacular fashion in the second round. Joshua emerged from his corner looking like a different fighter, taking control with a stiff jab before exploding with a pinpoint one-two combination. A devastating straight right rocked Prenga, and Joshua followed with a series of unanswered hooks that left the Albanian sprawled in the corner.
Referee Harvey Dock immediately began the count, but Prenga was unable to recover as the contest was waved off, completing a stunning turnaround and leaving the Albanian grateful to leave the ring after absorbing Joshua’s brutal response.
“You have to dig deep in this sport. I was caught cold in the first, but champions find a way to answer back,” Joshua said after the fight.
The emphatic victory keeps Joshua firmly in the heavyweight title picture and further fuels expectations of a blockbuster all-British showdown with Tyson Fury later this year.