Eddie Hearn has made it crystal clear that Anthony Joshua needs to put an end to Kristian Prenga’s chances before the Albanian fighter can even think about disrupting the long‑term plan for a clash with Tyson Fury. The upcoming bout in Saudi Arabia on Saturday is being billed as a stepping‑stone for Joshua, who is expected to dispatch Prenga – a 20‑1 record holder with 20 victories coming by way of knockout – and then set his sights on a high‑profile, all‑British showdown with Fury later in November. Prenga is something of a mystery on the world stage.

While his record looks impressive on paper, he has yet to face an opponent of Joshua’s stature. For the British heavyweight, this fight represents a chance to become the most prominent name on the Albanian’s résumé by a wide margin.

Hearn, however, admitted that the perfect win‑to‑knockout ratio does give Prenga a certain aura of danger, making it vital for Joshua to land a decisive blow early and remove any doubt about his own superiority. "AJ is taking this fight very seriously," Hearn told Sky Sports. "Prenga has 20 wins, 20 knockouts, so he can definitely punch.

Is he at AJ's level? I don't think so, but he's never been at that level, so until he has, you never truly know. Prenga was selected to be a good test, a stiff challenge, but someone AJ should beat in style.

But heavyweight boxing is heavyweight boxing." The promoter’s comments underline the delicate balance between confidence and caution. While Hearn believes Joshua is the superior fighter, he also acknowledges that heavyweight boxing can be unpredictable, especially when a hard‑hitting opponent like Prenga steps into the ring. The narrative has been built around the idea that Joshua must "take this guy out before he takes you out," a mantra that will likely dominate the pre‑fight hype and the fighters’ own mind‑sets. Hearn further emphasized that this encounter is the first major hurdle on Joshua’s road back to the world title, which he hopes to reclaim in 2027.

A victory over Prenga would clear the path for the much‑anticipated bout with Fury, a fight Hearn is convinced Joshua can win, setting the stage for a potential third world‑championship reign. "Right now, AJ is motivated to continue as long as he can while he feels like he's still got it," Hearn added. "Every performance will tell us where he's at and Saturday will be no different. We know that if we win on Saturday, he's fighting Tyson Fury in November.

In our mind, we win that fight and then 2027 is all about trying to recapture that world championship, with the belts quite fragmented now in the sport. So, two big assignments lie ahead before the world championship comes, but the way he's talking, the end is not nigh." During the pre‑fight press conference, Joshua himself underscored the significance of the Prenga bout.

"I understand there is a big picture," he said. "The goal is to conquer the universe.

But first we must conquer earth. Prenga is my target.

It's my coach against his coach. My physio against his physio. My strategist against his strategist.

This fighter against that fighter. The reality of the matter is there is no universe, no future, unless I get past this checkpoint on Saturday night." The language Joshua used – likening the fight to a checkpoint on a larger mission – reflects the high stakes and the layered ambitions that surround his career.

A win would not only keep his momentum alive but also solidify his position as the leading British heavyweight, ready to challenge Fury for a unification bout that could dominate the sport’s narrative for months. From a technical standpoint, Prenga’s 20‑knockout streak suggests a fighter with considerable power, but it also raises questions about the level of opposition he has faced.

Analysts point out that while a 100% knockout rate is impressive, it does not automatically translate to success against a seasoned, technically adept opponent like Joshua, who has demonstrated the ability to adapt mid‑fight and employ a sophisticated jab‑right‑hand combination. If Joshua can impose his game plan early – using his reach, footwork, and superior conditioning – he can likely neutralize Prenga’s power.

The key will be to avoid prolonged exchanges where a single well‑timed punch could turn the tide. Historically, Joshua has shown patience, working the body before escalating to head shots, a strategy that could wear down an opponent who relies heavily on knockout power. The broader context of heavyweight boxing also plays a role.

With the division’s titles fragmented among several champions, a victory over Prenga would be a stepping stone toward a unification path that could involve not just Fury but also other titleholders. Hearn’s vision for 2027 involves Joshua positioning himself as a three‑time champion, a narrative that would resonate with fans nostalgic for the era of multiple heavyweight legends. In summary, the upcoming fight in Saudi Arabia is far more than a routine bout; it is a pivotal moment in Anthony Joshua’s quest to re‑establish himself at the pinnacle of the heavyweight division.

Eddie Hearn’s urging for a swift and decisive victory reflects both the immediate need to eliminate any doubts about Joshua’s readiness and the longer‑term ambition of setting up a blockbuster showdown with Tyson Fury. For Joshua, the message is clear: dominate Prenga, secure the win, and then turn his focus to the larger, universe‑conquering goal that lies ahead.