Anthony Joshua hit the scales on Friday and recorded a weight of 251 pounds, a noticeable increase of roughly 7.6 pounds compared with the 243.4 pounds he tipped the scales at when he faced YouTube sensation Jake Paul in December 2025. The British heavyweight is now gearing up for a high‑stakes encounter with Albanian contender Kristian Prenga, scheduled for Saturday night in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. The weigh‑in highlighted a clear size disparity between the two fighters.
Prenga, who steps into the ring at 261.4 pounds, carries about 10.4 pounds more than Joshua. While Joshua’s current mark is well above his average fighting weight, it still falls short of the heaviest he has ever been in a professional bout. The record‑setting figure for Joshua was 255.4 pounds when he knocked out Jermaine Franklin in April 2023, a weight that remains his personal maximum to date.
In the lead‑up to the event, Joshua expressed confidence and excitement. Speaking to DAZN Boxing, he said, “We’re feeling good.
It’s going down tomorrow night in Jeddah.” His optimism came on the heels of a recent victory by fellow British champion Tyson Fury, who secured a seventh‑round technical knockout over Mariusz Wach in Thailand. Fury, however, was not overly confident about Joshua’s chances, noting that while he had “got through” his own test, he doubted that Joshua could overcome Prenga’s power and size advantage.
Prenga, now 35, is no easy opponent. In a 21‑fight career he has suffered only a single defeat, and he boasts an impressive streak of 16 consecutive wins, each achieved by knockout or technical knockout. The Albanian’s relentless finishing rate has earned him a reputation as a fearsome puncher, and he enjoys strong backing from his home country, with fans rallying behind him as he prepares for this marquee bout. Eddie Hearn, Joshua’s promoter, also weighed in on the upcoming clash.
He told DAZN Boxing, “The work is done and this isn’t going to be easy. [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.
Big fight, big opportunity. We know what comes on the other side; we’ve just got 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 December 2025 bout with Paul, Joshua has not stepped inside a ring, opting instead to focus on an intensive training regimen. Notably, he has been working alongside the team of Ukrainian champion Oleksandr Usyk, a partnership that has been highlighted as a key factor in his preparation for Prenga.
Joshua revealed that Usyk’s camp has been urging him to elevate his performance, to “show greatness” in the upcoming fight. Speaking to Sky Sports, Joshua reflected on his own abilities and the expectations placed upon him. “I’m quite good at what I do anyway,” he said. “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 added that Usyk’s team has been emphasizing consistency, noting, “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 fight promises to be a clash of contrasting styles and physical attributes.
Joshua, known for his technical boxing and disciplined footwork, will need to contend with Prenga’s raw power and heavier frame. Analysts suggest that Joshua may look to use his speed and jab to offset Prenga’s size advantage, while Prenga will likely aim to impose his weight and strength early, looking for a decisive knockout. Beyond the immediate matchup, the bout carries broader implications for the heavyweight division.
A victory for Joshua could re‑establish him as a top‑tier contender after a period of inactivity, potentially opening doors to future fights with other elite heavyweights. Conversely, an upset by Prenga would catapult the Albanian fighter into the global spotlight, positioning him as a new challenger for the world title. Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports, with the event slated for 10 p.m.
on Saturday. For those without a traditional subscription, Sky’s NOW streaming service offers a contract‑free option to watch the fight. Additionally, the broadcast will feature undercard bouts, including Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas, both taking place in New York and scheduled to air later on Sunday night.
In summary, the weigh‑in has set the stage for an intriguing encounter in Jeddah. Joshua’s 251‑pound frame, while heavier than his recent fight, still sits below his personal maximum, whereas Prenga’s 261.4‑pound bulk gives him a clear weight edge. With both camps emphasizing preparation, confidence, and national pride, the night promises high drama, potential fireworks, and a pivotal moment for the future trajectories of both fighters.