Anthony Joshua has embraced a markedly aggressive mindset as he prepares for his much‑anticipated return bout against Kristian Prenga, and Matchroom boss Barry Hearn insists the British heavyweight is ready to inflict "an awful lot of pain" on his opponent. Hearn, who has been closely linked with Joshua since the fighter’s breakout in 2012, described the champion as a "ferocious animal" in the days leading up to the Saudi Arabian showdown scheduled for this Saturday. The Prenga fight is more than a simple tune‑up; it is a prerequisite for the long‑running negotiations surrounding a potential all‑British mega‑event with Tyson Fury.
While talks about a Joshua‑Fury clash continue behind the scenes, the immediate priority for the 36‑year‑old former two‑time world champion is to deliver a convincing victory over Prenga, thereby honoring the terms of his contract and keeping the larger British heavyweight dream alive. Joshua’s last appearance in the ring was a decisive knockout of YouTuber‑turned‑boxer Jake Paul in December of the previous year.
Since that high‑profile win, he has endured a prolonged hiatus, not solely because of the usual rest and recovery routine but also due to the emotional aftermath of a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends. The incident forced Joshua into a period of reflection and healing, which, according to Hearn, has only intensified his resolve. In recent weeks, Joshua has been training out of the camp of former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk.
Hearn emphasized that this partnership has brought a new level of focus to the heavyweight’s preparation. "AJ looks in the shape of his life," Hearn told Sky Sports News. "He's been training at Usyk's camp.
He's tremendously motivated, not just to win but to put on a show." The synergy between Joshua and Usyk’s coaching staff appears to have sharpened Joshua’s technical skills while also feeding his newfound ferocity. Prenga, while not a household name, is considered a dangerous opponent. Hearn admitted there is limited public information about the challenger, but he was confident that Joshua’s current mental state would dominate the contest.
"Prenga is dangerous, we don't know too much about him, but Joshua is a ferocious animal at the moment, and you'll see a ferocious animal in there. Don't blink, look for fireworks," Hearn warned. He added that Joshua is not taking any aspect of the fight for granted; he is "ruthlessly efficient" and fully prepared to cause significant damage on Saturday.
Beyond the immediate fight, Hearn reflected on Joshua’s long‑term outlook. He noted that the tragedy in Nigeria has, paradoxically, become a source of motivation for the champion.
"Some of that has been fuelled by that tragic accident, but he's now talking about the next three years in the ring. A year ago, we were talking about potentially two fights and then going off into a happy retirement," Hearn explained. This shift signals a more ambitious roadmap for Joshua, who now appears to be planning a sustained period at the top of the heavyweight division rather than an early exit. The prospect of a Joshua‑Fury showdown has been a decade‑long fantasy for British boxing fans.
Hearn believes that when the fight finally materialises, it will be the biggest heavyweight contest of his lifetime and, perhaps, of the modern era. He expressed a strong desire for the bout to take place at Wembley Stadium, citing the venue’s iconic status and its significance to British supporters.
"We'd love it at Wembley, that's what we're fighting for," Hearn said. "It's a global fight, but we think this is a fight for British fans predominantly. The British fans have been very patient. They've put up with 10 years of waiting for this, so we're hoping they'll stick with the terms in AJ's contract, which specify the fight must take place in the UK." The upcoming fight against Prenga therefore serves multiple purposes: it is a test of Joshua’s renewed ferocity, a stepping stone toward a historic clash with Fury, and a demonstration of his commitment to his British fanbase.
Hearn’s confidence in Joshua’s current condition is evident; he claims never before in his 14‑year association with the fighter has he seen him look as fit and motivated as he does now. The combination of rigorous training under Usyk, the emotional drive stemming from personal loss, and the strategic imperative to secure a win before the Fury negotiations all converge to create a high‑stakes environment for Saturday’s bout. If Joshua can deliver the promised "fireworks" and showcase the aggressive style Hearn describes, it will not only cement his status as a dominant force in the heavyweight division but also set the stage for the much‑anticipated British heavyweight showdown that could finally bring a long‑awaited climax to a decade of speculation. The world will be watching, and, as Hearn put it, "look for fireworks" as AJ steps into the ring with a ferocious intent to cause pain and prove he remains at the pinnacle of the sport.