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Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga
Launch Press Conference Quotes
Anthony Joshua’s highly anticipated return against Kristian
Prenga on Saturday, July 25 – live worldwide on DAZN – will
now take place at the Jeddah Superdome, it was announced
today.
It will be the second time the two-time Unified Heavyweight
World Champion has fought in Jeddah, this time headlining at
the 40,000-seater, state-of-the-art arena in the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia – in association with Matchroom Boxing, SELA,
Goldstar, Riyadh Season and Jeddah Season.
In Joshua’s last visit to Jeddah, he took the reigning,
lineal Heavyweight king – and his new stablemate – Oleksandr
Usyk the distance back in 2023, only falling short in a
pulsating split decision defeat.
But the British boxing great will be looking for a happier
outcome this summer when he takes on the Albanian knockout
artist Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) in ‘The Comeback’.
AJ (29-6, 26 KOs) sized up his rival for the first time this
evening at a launch Press Conference in London – and
revealed he is confident he’ll get the job done in style in
Jeddah.
Speaking at Exhibition White City this evening, Joshua said:
“I know exactly what I need to do. I’m not worried about
respecting this particular opponent, but when I look at
myself, I know I’m going to deliver. This is my division.
“July 25 in Jeddah, the best man will win. I’m going to go
in there and show how good I am. I’m going to show him my
class, my skill and my boxing IQ and see if he can survive
my power as well.”
Prenga, however, insisted he is not coming to Jeddah to make
up the numbers and is determined to spring a huge upset.
“I respect AJ, he’s a great fighter and I’ve watched him
from his first fight, but I think now is my time.” said
Prenga.
“I’ve trained more than ever, I feel great, I feel ready and
I’m going to show the world. I’m not a talker, I’m a
puncher. If I catch you [AJ] you’ve never felt a punch like
it. I respect him but in the ring I have no respect for
anybody.”
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is excited to see
Joshua back in the ring and highlighted his resilience to
return to the heavyweight division.
Hearn said: “We’re incredibly proud of what he’s done to
return to the ring physically, mentally, emotionally, and as
AJ said, boxing is his purpose.
“The reason why we have these big heavyweight matchups is
because of the energy and purpose that this man injected
into the sport over the last 15 years. It’s one of the great
comebacks and I think you will see the very best Anthony
Joshua in Jeddah on July 25.”
The Ring CEO Rick Reeno is looking forward to Joshua’s
return in Jeddah and highlighted the credentials of his
Albanian opponent.
Reeno said: “The heavyweight division needs the return of
Anthony Joshua. We know Prenga can punch, but we don’t know
whether or not he can deal with a world-class operator like
AJ.”
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