Anthony Joshua survived two knockdowns against Kristian Prenga before securing a second-round stoppage, but the performance has raised serious questions about his punch resistance ahead of a potential £150m showdown with Tyson Fury. The Albanian, previously unknown, had Joshua on the canvas twice in the opening round, exposing a fragility that was absent in his prime.
Joshua, who lost to Daniel Dubois and Oleksandr Usyk in recent years, admitted he learned a 'valuable lesson' but insisted he would 'come back stronger'. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, confirmed contracts are signed for the Fury fight, scheduled for November, saying, 'Everything is done.' However, even Joshua's courage could not mask the alarming ease with which Prenga's punches staggered him.
In contrast, Fury was uninspiring in a seven-round decision over 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand. While Fury remains dangerous, his own decline was evident as Wach landed several times. The contrast between a vulnerable Joshua and a faded Fury has dampened expectations for what was once billed as the biggest fight in British boxing history.
Joshua, still mourning friends killed in a car accident, said, 'That was spirit. That was Latz, that was Sina.' He appeared close to tears, and his camp must now consider whether he can withstand the firepower of younger heavyweights like Itauma or Dubois, let alone a motivated Fury.
