Anthony Joshua has embraced a decidedly "ferocious" attitude as he prepares for his much‑anticipated comeback bout against Kristian Prenga, and Matchroom boss Barry Hearn says the British heavyweight is ready to "inflict a great deal of pain" on his opponent. The upcoming fight, scheduled for this Saturday in Saudi Arabia, is viewed as a crucial stepping‑stone before Joshua can finally lock in a long‑desired all‑British showdown with Tyson Fury.
While negotiations for a Fury‑versus‑Joshua clash continue to swirl, the immediate priority for the two‑time world champion is to deliver a convincing victory over Prenga. Joshua has not stepped into the ring since his December knockout of YouTuber‑turned‑boxer Jake Paul, a win that came after a harrowing period away from the sport. Earlier this year, the 36‑year‑old endured a devastating car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends, an event that forced him into an extended hiatus and gave him time for reflection. Since that tragedy, Joshua has been training alongside former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk at Usyk’s camp, a partnership that Hearn believes has sharpened the champion’s focus like never before.
"AJ looks in the shape of his life," Hearn told Sky Sports News. "He's training with Usyk, he's incredibly motivated—not just to win, but to put on a show for the fans." According to Hearn, Prenga is a dangerous opponent, though relatively unknown in the broader boxing community. "We don't have a lot of footage on him, but Joshua is currently a ferocious animal in the ring, and you will see that ferocity on Saturday," the promoter said. "Don't blink; expect fireworks.
AJ isn’t taking anything for granted. He knows he has a job to do, and he will be ruthlessly efficient. He's in the mood to cause an awful lot of pain on Saturday." The promoter also highlighted Joshua’s long‑term outlook.
"AJ is in an amazing place at the moment. In the 14 years I’ve known him, I’ve never seen him look better or be more driven for the future," Hearn added. He noted that part of Joshua’s renewed vigor stems from the emotional aftermath of the accident, yet the champion is already talking about the next three years in the sport.
A year ago, conversations centered on possibly two more fights before a “happy retirement,” but the current narrative suggests a more ambitious roadmap. Looking beyond the Prenga fight, Hearn remains convinced that a Joshua‑versus‑Fury encounter will become the biggest heavyweight bout of his lifetime. He envisions the showdown taking place at Wembley Stadium, a venue that would accommodate the massive British fan base that has waited a decade for this clash.
"We’d love it at Wembley, that’s what we’re fighting for," Hearn said. "It’s a global fight, but it’s primarily a fight for British fans. They have been very patient, enduring ten years of waiting, so we hope they’ll stay on board with the terms in AJ’s contract, which stipulate that the fight must happen in the UK." The Prenga fight, therefore, carries dual significance.
It is both a test of Joshua’s physical readiness after his hiatus and a statement of intent ahead of the potential Fury showdown. Hearn’s comments underscore the mental shift Joshua has undergone: from a grieving athlete coping with loss to a focused competitor eager to dominate his next opponent.
In practical terms, Joshua’s preparation has involved a blend of technical work with Usyk’s team, conditioning drills designed to enhance power and stamina, and strategic sparring sessions aimed at sharpening his offensive instincts. The champion’s camp has reportedly placed a heavy emphasis on explosive combinations, footwork, and defensive awareness—elements that should translate into a high‑octane performance against Prenga.
For Prenga, the challenge will be to navigate Joshua’s newfound aggression while imposing his own style. Though not a household name, the Albanian‑born fighter has shown flashes of power in previous bouts, and his under‑dog status may provide additional motivation. However, Hearn’s warning that Joshua is a “ferocious animal” suggests that any lapse in concentration could be costly.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether Joshua can deliver the promised "fireworks" and whether the fight will serve as a convincing prelude to a future clash with Fury. If Joshua fulfills Hearn’s predictions, the Saturday night bout could not only cement his comeback but also set the stage for the heavyweight landscape to shift dramatically, with a British‑centric showdown looming on the horizon. In summary, Barry Hearn paints a picture of a rejuvenated Anthony Joshua: physically prime, mentally sharpened by recent hardships, and driven by a clear vision for the next three years.
His upcoming fight with Kristian Prenga is positioned as a decisive test—one that will showcase his ferocity, entertain fans, and potentially pave the way for the ultimate British heavyweight spectacle at Wembley.