Anthony Joshua hit the scales on Friday and registered a weight of 251 pounds, which is 7.6 pounds more than the 243.4 pounds he tipped the scales at when he faced Jake Paul in December 2025. The British heavyweight is set to meet Albanian contender Kristian Prenga on Saturday night in Jeddah, and the weigh‑in numbers have already sparked a wave of commentary among fans and pundits. Prenga, who comes into the bout at a hefty 261.4 pounds, is roughly 10.4 pounds heavier than Joshua.
For context, the heaviest Joshua has ever been for a professional fight was 255.4 pounds when he knocked out Jermaine Franklin in April 2023. The current figure therefore places him comfortably below his personal maximum, yet still noticeably above his recent fighting weight. "We're feeling good.
It's going down tomorrow night in Jeddah," Joshua told DAZN Boxing after the official weigh‑in. His confidence appears steady despite the added mass, and he is eager to showcase the work he has put in during his latest training camp. The timing of the weigh‑in is interesting because it follows a recent victory by Tyson Fury, who secured a seventh‑round technical knockout over Mariusz Wach in Thailand.
Fury, ever the outspoken champion, praised his own performance but expressed doubt that Joshua could overcome Prenga’s physical advantages. "I’ve gotten through my test," Fury said, "but I’m not convinced AJ will be able to beat Prenga tomorrow night." Prenga, now 35 years old, brings a formidable résumé to the ring. In a 21‑fight career he has suffered just a single defeat, and he has finished each of his last 16 bouts by way of knockout or technical knockout.
The Albanian’s power and consistency have earned him a loyal following back home, and many Albanian supporters are expected to travel to Jeddah to back their champion. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, echoed the sentiment that this will be a tough test. "The work is done and this isn’t going to be easy," he told DAZN Boxing.
"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 continued, "Big fight, big opportunity. We know what comes on the other side; we just have to deal with this guy tonight.
I expect, and I hope, that we get a performance that shows everything that Joshua has put into this training camp." Since his last bout against Paul, Joshua has been training with the camp of Oleksandr Usyk, a partnership that has been highlighted as a key factor in his preparation for Prenga. Joshua revealed that Usyk’s team has been pushing him to elevate his performance, urging him to "show greatness" in the upcoming contest. Speaking to Sky Sports, Joshua explained the new approach: "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." He added, "Let’s bring out the good stuff that you’ve got in you and let’s improve. My approach to training has definitely improved a lot. 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." The build‑up to the Jeddah showdown also includes a reminder for viewers: the event will be streamed on DAZN Boxing, and the platform recommends using the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. In addition, fans can look forward to other heavyweight action on Sky Sports, such as the Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler bout and the Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas fight, both scheduled for Sunday night at 10 p.m. in New York. Those matches will be available live on Sky Sports, with the option to watch via the NOW streaming service without a contract.
All eyes will be on whether Joshua can effectively manage the extra weight while maintaining the speed and technique that have defined his career. The contrast between his 251‑pound frame and Prenga’s 261‑pound bulk sets up a classic heavyweight clash of power versus agility.
If Joshua can blend the tactical guidance from Usyk’s camp with his own natural strength, he may well reaffirm his status as a top contender in the division. Conversely, Prenga’s unbeaten streak and knockout pedigree suggest that he will look to impose his physicality early, testing Joshua’s stamina and defensive adjustments. The fight promises to be a pivotal moment for both athletes: a chance for Joshua to prove that the extra pounds have not dulled his edge, and an opportunity for Prenga to cement his reputation on a global stage. Regardless of the outcome, the event in Jeddah is poised to deliver a compelling narrative for heavyweight fans, showcasing two fighters at different points in their careers, each driven by national pride and personal ambition.
The stage is set, the scales have spoken, and the world will soon find out who emerges victorious in what could become a defining chapter in modern heavyweight boxing.