Anthony Joshua has embraced an aggressively fierce mindset as he prepares for his upcoming comeback bout against Kristian Prenga, and Matchroom’s chairman Barry Hearn says the British heavyweight is ready to inflict a great deal of punishment. Hearn’s comments underline that Joshua is not merely looking to win; he wants to put on a spectacular display that will leave fans talking for months. The long‑awaited all‑British showdown with Tyson Fury still hangs in the balance, but before any negotiations can move forward, Joshua must first fulfill his own obligations by securing a decisive victory over Prenga in Saudi Arabia this Saturday. The fight against Prenga is essentially a stepping‑stone – a test of form and confidence that will determine whether the much‑discussed Fury‑Joshua clash can realistically be booked in the near future.
Joshua’s last appearance in the ring came in December when he knocked out internet personality Jake Paul. Since that high‑profile victory, the two‑time heavyweight champion has been out of competition for an extended period, largely due to personal tragedy.
In early 2024 he survived a devastating car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends. The incident forced him to step away from training for several weeks, but according to Hearn, the experience has also forged a new, more focused resolve within the fighter.
Now, at 36 years old, Joshua has returned to the gym alongside former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk. Training at Usyk’s camp has apparently revitalized him, and Hearn, who has been involved with Joshua’s career since his breakout in 2012, claims he has never seen the champion more dialed‑in. “AJ looks in the shape of his life,” Hearn told Sky Sports News. “He’s training with Usyk, he’s tremendously motivated, not just to win but to put on a show.” The upcoming bout against Prenga, a relatively unknown but dangerous opponent, is being framed as a showcase of Joshua’s newly‑honed ferocity.
Hearn described Joshua as “a ferocious animal at the moment,” promising that spectators should expect fireworks and an unrelenting attack. “Don’t blink,” he warned, “look for fireworks. AJ is not taking anything for granted, he knows he’s got a job to do, and he will be ruthlessly efficient. He’s in the mood to cause an awful lot of pain on Saturday.” Prenga remains a mystery to many boxing fans; there is limited footage and scant analysis of his style.
Nevertheless, Hearn’s confidence suggests that Joshua’s preparation has left him ready for any challenge. The champion’s recent training regimen has reportedly focused heavily on power punching, conditioning, and tactical sparring with Usyk, who brings a wealth of experience from his own successful heavyweight reign. This partnership has allowed Joshua to sharpen his footwork and defensive awareness while maintaining his trademark knockout power. Beyond the immediate fight, Hearn hinted at a broader vision for Joshua’s future.
The tragic accident in Nigeria, while heartbreaking, appears to have sparked a renewed long‑term ambition in 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,” Hearn said.
He contrasted this with earlier conversations from a year ago, when the plan was to have Joshua fight perhaps two more times before considering retirement. Now, the dialogue has shifted toward a multi‑year roadmap that could include a high‑profile clash with Fury and possibly other marquee match‑ups.
The prospect of a Joshua‑Fury showdown has been a recurring theme in British boxing circles for over a decade. Hearn believes that when the fight finally materialises, it will be the biggest heavyweight contest of his lifetime.
He expressed a strong desire for the bout to take place at Wembley Stadium, emphasizing its symbolic importance for British fans. “We’d love it at Wembley, that’s what we’re fighting for,” he asserted. “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.” In summary, the upcoming Prenga fight serves as a crucial litmus test for Joshua’s physical condition, mental sharpness, and willingness to deliver an entertaining performance.
Hearn’s remarks paint a picture of a champion who has turned personal adversity into a source of motivation, who has refined his skill set under the guidance of a former world champion, and who now approaches the ring with a predatory, animalistic intensity. If Joshua can fulfill Hearn’s predictions and dominate Prenga in Saudi Arabia, the path to a historic clash with Tyson Fury at Wembley becomes significantly clearer, promising British boxing fans a monumental event that could define the sport for years to come.