Kristian Prenga has issued a fierce warning to Anthony Joshua, vowing to derail the British heavyweight's plans for a showdown with Tyson Fury. The Albanian fighter, who faces Joshua in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on July 25, insists that the former two-time world champion is making a grave mistake by overlooking him.
Prenga's vow to upset the applecart
Speaking ahead of Monday's press conference, the 35-year-old Prenga told reporters, including Mirror Fighting: "I think he say, 'Warm-up fight,' because he want to fight AJ uh he want to fight Tyson Fury, but it's not going to happen. He's going to cancel the fight with Tyson Fury."
Prenga, who has 20 knockout wins to his name, is largely unknown in the boxing world and is considered a tune-up opponent for Joshua before a potential all-British clash with Fury. However, the Albanian hard-hitter is determined to prove his doubters wrong.
A career-defining opportunity
Recalling how the fight came about, Prenga revealed: "My manager has called me Keith Sullivan. He said, 'Me, you have a big opportunity.' Because I supposed to fight in June 6th. I was in camp. He said, 'You have a big opportunity.' I said, 'Yo, what's happened?' He said, 'AJ is calling.' I say, 'Let's go. It's my time now.'"
Prenga admitted he was initially starstruck but always sensed a major fight was on the horizon. "I'm not surprised because I'm waiting for the big fight to came. But when it came, I I can't believe it first, but it's happened," he said.
Manager insists Joshua's team miscalculated
Prenga's manager, Keith Sullivan, claimed that his fighter did not hesitate when the offer arrived. "When I called KP to give him the great news that I was in negotiations with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom for the AJ fight, our conversation lasted about 30 seconds. He said, 'I'm walking into the gym. I have to train. I'll take the fight. End of conversation.'"
Sullivan believes Joshua's team have underestimated Prenga. "The reason they chose KP is they had a bad day, and they miscalculated," he said. While many expect an easy night for Joshua, Prenga is confident he can cause an upset and cancel the much-anticipated Fury fight.
