Eddie Hearn has made it clear that Anthony Joshua needs to put an end to Kristian Prenga’s chances before the fighter can even think about jeopardising the long‑term plan of a clash with Tyson Fury. The upcoming bout in Saudi Arabia this Saturday, where Joshua is heavily favored to defeat the 20‑year‑old Albanian (20‑1, 20 knockouts), is being billed as the final stepping‑stone before a high‑profile all‑British showdown with Fury slated for November.
Prenga remains something of a mystery on the world stage. While his record looks impressive on paper – every victory coming by way of knockout – he has yet to face an opponent of Joshua’s calibre. In that sense, Joshua will become the most prominent name on Prenga’s résumé, dwarfing the Albanian’s previous opponents by a wide margin.
Still, Hearn admitted that the perfect win‑to‑knockout ratio does raise a certain level of concern, and that it makes it crucial for Joshua to land the decisive blow early in the fight. "AJ is treating this contest with the utmost seriousness," Hearn told Sky Sports.
"Prenga has 20 wins, 20 knockouts, so he definitely has punching power. Is he on AJ’s level? I don’t think so, because he has never been tested at that elite tier.
Until he steps up, you can never be entirely sure of what he’s capable of." He continued, "Prenga was chosen as a solid test, a stiff challenge, but someone AJ should dispatch in style. Heavyweight boxing is heavyweight boxing – there’s no middle‑ground." Hearn emphasized that Joshua has had a turbulent seven months, dealing with setbacks and the pressure of expectation.
"There will be a few fingers crossed going into this one because of what lies beyond," he said. "It won’t be easy. You have to finish this guy before he finishes you, and that’s exactly what AJ intends to do on Saturday." According to Hearn, the Prenga fight represents the first major hurdle Joshua must clear if he hopes to reclaim the world heavyweight crown by 2027. The second, and arguably more coveted, obstacle is the eagerly anticipated bout with Fury.
Hearn believes that a victory over Fury would put Joshua on a path toward becoming a three‑time world champion. "Right now, AJ is motivated to keep going as long as he feels he still has it," Hearn added.
"Every performance tells us where he stands, and Saturday will be no different. If we win on Saturday, the next step is a fight with Tyson Fury in November. In our minds, we win that fight, and then 2027 becomes about trying to recapture the world title, especially now that the belts are fragmented across the sport. So, two big assignments lie ahead before the world championship, but from what he’s saying, the end isn’t near." During the pre‑fight press conference, Joshua himself underscored how vital it is to secure a win over Prenga.
"I understand there’s a bigger picture," he said. "The goal is to conquer the universe, but first we have to conquer Earth." He went on, "Prenga is my target. It’s my coach versus his coach, my physio versus his physio, my strategist versus his strategist – this fighter versus that fighter. The reality is there is no universe, no future, unless I get past this checkpoint on Saturday night." The narrative surrounding the matchup is built on the notion that Prenga, with his flawless knockout record, could pose a genuine threat if he manages to land his power early.
Yet, many analysts point out that his opposition so far has not featured the kind of defensive skill or ring IQ that Joshua brings to the table. Joshua’s own camp has highlighted his experience against top‑tier opponents, his ability to adjust mid‑fight, and his superior conditioning as key factors that should neutralise any surprise from the Albanian.
In addition to the physical aspects, there’s a psychological component at play. Hearn’s comments suggest that Joshua needs to demonstrate dominance not only for his own confidence but also to send a clear message to Fury and the wider heavyweight community that he remains a force to be reckoned with. A convincing win would reinforce his standing and keep the momentum moving toward the November showdown, which many fans are already dubbing the "British heavyweight classic." Should Joshua succeed in dispatching Prenga efficiently – ideally by a stoppage in the early rounds – it would solidify his narrative of resurgence after the setbacks of the past year.
Conversely, a hard‑fought battle or an unexpected setback could inject doubt into the Fury‑Joshua storyline and potentially alter the timing or even the feasibility of that future bout. Overall, the stakes are clear: Joshua must eliminate Prenga swiftly, preserve his health, and send a strong signal that he remains on the path to reclaiming the heavyweight throne.
Hearn, the promoter, is counting on a decisive performance to keep the grand plan intact, while Joshua himself is framing the fight as a necessary gateway to his ultimate ambition – conquering not just the ring, but the entire heavyweight hierarchy.