Anthony Joshua stepped onto the scales on Friday and recorded a weight of 251 pounds, a noticeable increase of 7.6 pounds compared to the 243.4 pounds he tipped the scales at when he faced YouTube sensation Jake Paul in December 2025. The British heavyweight’s new figure sets the stage for his upcoming bout against Albanian contender Kristian Prenga, which is slated for Saturday night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The weigh‑in numbers tell a story of two very different athletes. While Joshua tipped the scales at 251 pounds, his opponent Prenga arrived at a heavier 261.4 pounds, giving the Albanian a 10.4‑pound advantage on paper.
For context, Joshua’s heaviest recorded fight weight to date was 255.4 pounds when he knocked out Jermaine Franklin in April 2023, so the current figure sits slightly below that personal maximum. Both fighters have been busy in the lead‑up to the event. The weigh‑in took place just after Tyson Fury secured a seventh‑round technical knockout over Mariusz Wach in Thailand, a victory that prompted Fury to comment on Joshua’s chances.
Fury admitted he had ‘got through’ his own test but expressed doubt that Joshua could overcome the Albanian challenger, suggesting the matchup would be a stern test for the former champion. Prenga, now 35, arrives with an impressive résumé. In 21 professional bouts he has suffered only a single defeat, and he has finished his last 16 fights by way of knockout or technical knockout.
That streak of decisive victories has turned him into a feared opponent, especially given the national pride that appears to be rallying behind him in Albania. Promoter Eddie Hearn, speaking to DAZN Boxing, emphasized the gravity of the contest, noting that Prenga is not merely a payday‑seeker but a fighter with a strong backing and a reputation for finishing fights early. "The work is done and this isn’t going to be easy," Hearn said.
"[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 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." Joshua, who has not fought since his December 2025 encounter with Paul, has been sharpening his skills alongside the team of Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian champion’s camp has taken an active role in Joshua’s preparation, urging the British boxer to demonstrate greatness in the upcoming showdown.
In a candid interview with Sky Sports, Joshua reflected on the guidance he has been receiving. "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 pushing him to make greatness a daily habit rather than a rare occurrence. "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," Joshua explained. The buildup to the fight has also featured practical reminders for fans. Both the promotional material and the broadcast platforms have advised viewers to use the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience, ensuring that the live streaming runs smoothly on a variety of devices.
Beyond the main event, the fight night card includes additional attractions. Sky Sports will broadcast Edgar Berlanga versus Steven Butler and Richardson Hitchins versus Ricardo Salas from New York, beginning at 10 p.m. on Sunday. Fans can watch the action either through a Sky Sports subscription or via the NOW streaming service, which offers a contract‑free option.
In summary, the weigh‑in has set the narrative for what promises to be a compelling clash in Jeddah. Joshua’s modest weight gain, Prenga’s natural size advantage, and the high stakes for both fighters create a scenario where strategy, power, and preparation will be tested to the limit.
As the fighters continue their final preparations, the boxing world watches with anticipation, eager to see whether Joshua can reclaim his standing at the top of the heavyweight division or if Prenga will cement his reputation as a knockout artist on the international stage.