Albanian heavyweight, Kristian Prenga, has confidently declared that he will stop former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, before the 10th round when both fighters meet in Saudi Arabia on July 26.
At a press conference held on Tuesday, Prenga made a bold promise to Joshua, insisting the British star will have to withstand his punching power once they step into the ring.
Prenga, who describes himself more as a fighter than a traditional boxer, stressed that his main weapon is his knockout ability and his intention is to end the contest early rather than rely on points.
Speaking through a translator and occasionally in English, he also acknowledged Joshua’s past struggles while still backing himself to cause an upset.
“He went through a lot of stuff,” Prenga said with the assistance of a translator while also using his English to the best of his ability.
“He was out of boxing for a while, he had the car accident which I feel sorry [for him], and it’s my time. I believe [I knock him out]. I promise you it’s not going to go 10 rounds, the fight.”
“I’m a fighter. I’m not a boxer, I’m a fighter. I fight…I’m going to shock the world, brother. I’m going to shock the world.”
The bout is being promoted as a tune-up fight for Joshua ahead of a potential blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury, one of the most anticipated clashes in modern heavyweight boxing.
Joshua, however, has downplayed Prenga’s confidence, responding with a warning of his own and urging his opponent to be careful what he wishes for inside the ring.
The British star, a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, holds a professional record of 29 wins (26 by knockout) and 4 defeats.
The upcoming fight will be his first appearance since recovering from a serious car accident in Nigeria in December 2025, and is viewed as an important step in rebuilding momentum toward another title run.
For Joshua, anything short of a convincing victory could complicate his long-term ambitions, including a possible mega-fight with Fury.
For Prenga, meanwhile, the encounter represents the biggest opportunity of his career as he enters as a clear underdog.
