Anthony Joshua has embraced an intensely aggressive mindset as he prepares for his upcoming comeback clash with Kristian Prenga, and Matchroom boss Barry Hearn insists the British heavyweight is poised to inflict "a great deal of pain" on his opponent. The anticipation surrounding a potential all‑British showdown with Tyson Fury continues to dominate negotiations, but before any such mega‑event can materialise, Joshua must first honor his commitment by securing a decisive victory over Prenga in Saudi Arabia this Saturday.
Joshua's last appearance in the ring came in December when he knocked out internet sensation Jake Paul. Since that high‑profile win, the two‑time world champion has endured a prolonged hiatus, largely due to the emotional and physical toll of a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two close friends.
The incident forced him to step away from training for an extended period, giving him time to reflect and recover before returning to the sport he loves. Now, at 36 years old, Joshua has resumed his preparation under the guidance of former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk, who has opened his camp to the English fighter. Hearn, who has been closely linked with Joshua since his breakout year in 2012, observes that the champion appears more focused and determined than ever before.
"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." According to Hearn, Prenga presents a genuine threat, even though many fans and analysts know relatively little about the Croatian contender. "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," Hearn declared. He urged viewers to stay glued to the action, promising fireworks and a relentless performance. "Don't blink, 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." Beyond the immediate fight, the broader narrative in heavyweight boxing continues to evolve.
Fans are eager for answers to lingering questions about the much‑talked‑about Fury versus Joshua bout, a clash that could redefine the sport's hierarchy. Hearn remains confident that, once Joshua proves his mettle against Prenga, the path to a Fury showdown will become clearer.
Speaking about Joshua's current state, Hearn added, "AJ is in an amazing place at the moment. I don't think I've seen him look better than this in the 14 years I've known him or look so motivated for the long term." He acknowledged that the recent tragedy in Nigeria has, paradoxically, fueled Joshua's drive, prompting the champion to think about his next three years inside the ring. A year ago, discussions centered on the possibility of two more fights before a graceful retirement.
Now, with renewed purpose, Joshua appears ready to extend his career and chase further glory. The prospect of a Joshua‑Fury clash has been a decade‑long dream for British boxing fans. Hearn believes that when the fight finally materialises, it will be the biggest heavyweight encounter of his lifetime, and he hopes it will be staged at Wembley Stadium.
"We'd love it at Wembley, that's what we're fighting for," he 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." In summary, Joshua's upcoming bout with Prenga serves as a crucial stepping stone toward his ultimate goal: a showdown with Tyson Fury that could capture the imagination of the entire boxing world. With Hearn's confidence, Usyk's expertise, and a renewed ferocity in his approach, AJ appears ready to deliver a performance that will not only satisfy his own ambitions but also reward a decade‑long wait from his loyal supporters. The stakes are high, the expectations are massive, and, as Hearn predicts, the Saturday night fight promises to be a spectacle filled with intensity, power, and, indeed, fireworks.