Nigerian-British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua, dedicated his victory over Kristian Prenga to his late coaches and close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, after battling back from two first-round knockdowns to claim a second-round knockout victory.
The fight was Joshua’s first appearance since the December car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of Ghami, his strength and conditioning coach, and Ayodele, his personal trainer.
In a touching tribute, the former world heavyweight champion walked to the ring wearing camouflage gear emblazoned with the names of the two men.
Reflecting on the emotional win, Joshua said the triumph was inspired by the memory of his late friends.
“It’s what champions do. We rise, we get knocked down, and we stand up and keep going. That’s life.
“It was more than punch power. That was Spirit, that was Latz, that was Sina and their families. It still hurts to talk about it. It’s been tough.”
Despite entering the contest as the clear favourite, Joshua endured a difficult start after Prenga floored him twice within the opening three minutes.
The British boxer regained his composure, however, and took control of the fight before stopping the Albanian in the second round to strengthen expectations of a blockbuster showdown with fellow Briton Tyson Fury.
Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, hailed the performance, saying it was an extraordinary display considering the personal loss the former champion had experienced.
“No one can imagine what Anthony has been through in the last seven months.
“To even step into the ring was astonishing,” Hearn said.
Hearn added that Joshua channelled his grief into his preparation, maintaining focus throughout training camp and demonstrating immense character by recovering from two knockdowns to secure victory.
He also disclosed that contracts had already been signed for the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Joshua and Fury, although details of the date and venue have yet to be finalised.
Fury, who stopped 46-year-old Mariusz Wach in Thailand on Friday, did not attend Joshua’s bout, having travelled back to the Isle of Man after his own fight.
Looking ahead to the proposed all-British heavyweight showdown, Joshua said he had great respect for Fury’s accomplishments but was eager for the long-awaited encounter.
“I respect everything he has achieved, but this is the fight we’ve been calling for, and now we’re here.
“I hope the fans will enjoy it.
“I’ve learnt that I can’t be stopped, I won’t be denied, and we’re coming,” Joshua added.
