Anthony Joshua has embraced a decidedly "ferocious" attitude as he prepares for his highly 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. The upcoming clash in Saudi Arabia this Saturday marks the first time Joshua will step back into the ring since his decisive knockout of YouTuber Jake Paul in December, and it also serves as a prerequisite for the long‑awaited all‑British showdown with Tyson Fury that promoters are still negotiating. Joshua’s hiatus from competition was not simply a tactical break. After his victory over Paul, the two‑time world champion endured a harrowing period of personal tragedy when a car accident in Nigeria claimed the lives of two close friends.
The incident forced him to step away from training for an extended spell, giving him time to process the loss and refocus his priorities. Now, at 36, he appears rejuvenated, having spent the past months training alongside former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk at Usyk’s camp.
Hearn, who has been linked with Joshua since the fighter’s breakout year of 2012, says he has never seen the champion so dialed‑in. "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 promoter painted a vivid picture of the upcoming fight, describing Joshua as a "ferocious animal" ready to unleash his power.
"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. 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," Hearn added. While Prenga remains a relatively unknown quantity on the global stage, the hype surrounding Joshua's preparation is palpable. Hearn emphasized that the champion’s current mental and physical condition is perhaps the best he has witnessed in the 14 years he has known Joshua.
"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," Hearn said.
The tragedy that befell Joshua’s friends appears to have added a deeper resolve to his ambitions. "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 suggests that Joshua is now envisioning a longer, more sustained campaign rather than a quick exit after a handful of bouts. The Prenga fight is more than a stepping stone; it is a litmus test for Joshua’s readiness to take on the sport’s biggest name—Tyson Fury. Hearn believes that when the two British titans finally meet, it will be the most significant heavyweight contest of his lifetime.
He even hinted at a preferred venue: 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." The stakes are high for both fighters.
Prenga, a relatively untested contender, will have the opportunity to make a name for himself by challenging a former champion who is widely regarded as one of the sport’s most powerful punchers. For Joshua, a dominant performance will not only satisfy the contractual clause that mandates a UK‑based bout for the Fury clash but also reaffirm his status as a top‑tier heavyweight after a lengthy layoff. Beyond the immediate implications, the bout reflects broader trends in heavyweight boxing.
The sport has seen a resurgence of interest in the UK, driven by the narratives of redemption, resilience, and national pride. Joshua’s story—overcoming personal loss, returning from a car crash, and now training with a fellow champion—embodies the kind of compelling drama that draws fans back to the ring.
As the fight approaches, anticipation builds across social media, with pundits dissecting Prenga’s limited footage and speculating on how Joshua’s new training regimen under Usyk’s guidance will translate into performance. Hearn’s confidence suggests that Joshua’s power, speed, and tactical acumen have all sharpened during his time away from competition. The promoter’s vivid description of "fireworks" and "an awful lot of pain" sets expectations for a high‑octane encounter that could serve as a definitive statement before the Fury showdown.
In summary, Anthony Joshua is entering the ring against Kristian Prenga with a ferocious mindset, a rigorous training program alongside Oleksandr Usyk, and a personal drive fueled by recent tragedy. Barry Hearn’s remarks underscore Joshua’s physical prime, mental focus, and willingness to entertain fans with a spectacular performance. The outcome of this fight will not only determine Joshua’s immediate future but also shape the timeline for the coveted British heavyweight clash with Tyson Fury, potentially at Wembley, a venue that both fighters and fans view as the ideal stage for a historic showdown.