Anthony Joshua stepped onto the weigh‑in platform on Friday and registered a weight of 251 pounds, marking a modest increase of 7.6 pounds from the 243.4 pounds he carried when he faced Jake Paul in December 2025. The British heavyweight’s new figure places him 10.4 pounds lighter than his upcoming opponent, Kristian Prenga, who tipped the scales at a solid 261.4 pounds. This contrast in size adds another layer of intrigue to the bout scheduled for Saturday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The 251‑pound mark is not unprecedented for Joshua; his heaviest recorded fight weight was 255.4 pounds when he knocked out Jermaine Franklin in April 2023. Nonetheless, the current weight suggests a strategic decision to balance power and mobility as he prepares to meet the Albanian challenger.
Prenga, a 35‑year‑old fighter with a reputation for finishing opponents, arrives in Jeddah having suffered only a single loss in a 21‑fight career. Impressively, he has secured his last 16 victories by knockout or technical knockout, underscoring his punching power and relentless aggression. In a pre‑fight interview with DAZN Boxing, Joshua expressed confidence, saying, "We're feeling good.
It's going down tomorrow night in Jeddah." His optimism comes amid a busy week in the heavyweight division, highlighted by Tyson Fury’s seventh‑round TKO win over Mariusz Wach in Thailand. Fury, while acknowledging his own success, hinted that Joshua might face a stern test against Prenga, noting the Albanian’s formidable record and the fervent support he enjoys from fans back home. Eddie Hearn, the promoter behind Joshua’s career, echoed the sentiment that this will be a demanding contest.
"[Prenga] isn’t a guy coming in here with a bundle of defeats, coming for a payday. He's got the whole of Albania behind him by the sounds of things as well," Hearn told DAZN Boxing.
He added that the fight represents a "big opportunity" for Joshua and that the outcome will reflect the work put in during the training camp. Since his last bout with Paul, Joshua has been training alongside Oleksandr Usyk’s camp, a partnership designed to sharpen his technique and mental approach.
He revealed that Usyk’s team has been urging him to elevate his performance, urging him to "show greatness" in the upcoming fight. In a candid conversation with Sky Sports, Joshua said, "I'm quite good at what I do anyway.
I'm quite strong. I can take, I can give, so sometimes I can just get away with doing enough but still be good enough. But these guys are like, 'nah'.
They want to see more. They want to see more, like bring it out. Let's bring out the good stuff that you've got in you and let's improve. And my approach to training has definitely improved a lot." He further explained the mindset instilled by Usyk’s team: "You're performing at your best, but it should be normal to perform at this level.
That's what Usyk's team were saying. Your greatness should just be something that you do every day in the gym." This focus on consistency and daily excellence suggests that Joshua is not merely aiming for a single spectacular night, but rather striving to embed elite performance into his routine.
The fight itself promises a clash of styles. Joshua, known for his technical boxing skills, disciplined footwork, and powerful jab, will need to navigate Prenga’s aggressive, knockout‑focused approach. Prenga’s record of 16 consecutive stoppage victories indicates a relentless forward pressure and a willingness to engage in high‑risk exchanges. For Joshua, the challenge will be to impose his game plan, use his reach advantage, and avoid getting caught in exchanges where Prenga’s power could turn the tide.
Beyond the physical preparation, the psychological aspect looms large. Joshua has not fought since his December 2025 showdown with Paul, and the extended layoff could raise questions about ring rust.
However, his time spent with Usyk’s team may have mitigated any loss of sharpness, providing fresh perspectives on tactics and conditioning. Meanwhile, Prenga carries the weight of national expectation; Albania’s boxing community has rallied behind him, and the pressure to deliver a victory on an international stage could serve as both motivation and a source of stress. The broader context of heavyweight boxing adds further stakes.
With Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, and now Joshua all active, the division is in a state of flux, and each high‑profile fight reshapes the hierarchy. A decisive win for Joshua could propel him back into title contention, while a loss might signal a need to reassess his path forward. Conversely, a Prenga victory would catapult the Albanian into the global spotlight, potentially opening doors for bigger fights and lucrative pay‑days. Fans eager to watch the showdown can tune in via Sky Sports, which will broadcast the event live.
Additionally, the network will feature undercard bouts, including Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas, offering a full night of boxing entertainment. For those without a traditional subscription, the match will also be available for streaming on NOW with a no‑contract option. In summary, the weigh‑in has set the stage for a compelling narrative: a seasoned champion seeking to reaffirm his place at the top, a rising contender hungry for validation, and a backdrop of heavyweight intrigue that keeps the sport’s followers on edge. As the lights dim in Jeddah on Saturday night, all eyes will be on Joshua and Prenga to see who can translate preparation, strategy, and raw power into victory.