Eddie Hearn has made it clear that Anthony Joshua needs to put an end to Kristian Prenga’s challenge before the bout can even begin to threaten the long‑term plan of a clash with Tyson Fury. The British promoter emphasized that a decisive victory over the Albanian fighter is essential if Joshua’s road to a future heavyweight showdown is to stay on track. The upcoming contest in Saudi Arabia, set for Saturday, pits Joshua against Prenga, a 20‑year‑old prospect who boasts a flawless record of 20 wins, all by knockout.
If Joshua prevails, the victory will clear the path for a highly anticipated all‑British title fight with Fury slated for November. That encounter has been billed as a blockbuster, potentially reshaping the heavyweight landscape. Prenga remains something of an enigma.
While his record is impressive, he has yet to face an opponent of Joshua’s stature, and the Albanian’s name will likely become far more recognizable if he steps into the ring with the former world champion. Hearn acknowledged that the perfect win‑to‑knockout ratio raises a legitimate concern, making it crucial for Joshua to deliver the decisive blow early in the fight.
"AJ is treating this fight with utmost seriousness," Hearn told Sky Sports. "Prenga has 20 wins and 20 knockouts, so he definitely possesses punching power.
Is he on AJ’s level? I don’t think so, but he has never been tested at that level, so until he is, you never truly know." He added that Prenga was selected as a “good test, a stiff challenge,” but one that Joshua should be able to overcome with style. "Heavyweight boxing is heavyweight boxing," Hearn said, underscoring the need for Joshua to assert his dominance without giving Prenga a chance to dictate the pace. The promoter also highlighted the broader context of Joshua’s recent career.
Over the past seven months, the former champion has dealt with a series of setbacks, ranging from injuries to controversial decisions. Hearn believes that a clean, convincing win over Prenga will not only restore confidence but also keep the larger vision of a Fury showdown alive. "It won’t be easy," Hearn warned. "You have to take this guy out before he takes you out, and that’s exactly what AJ intends to do on Saturday." According to Hearn, the Prenga fight represents the first major hurdle on Joshua’s path toward reclaiming the world heavyweight title in 2027.
The second hurdle, in his view, is the eagerly awaited bout with Fury. Hearn is convinced that a victory over the British rival would set Joshua up for a win against Fury, after which the former champion could aim to become a three‑time world champion. "Right now, AJ is motivated to keep going as long as he feels he still has it," Hearn said. "Every performance tells us where he stands, and Saturday will be no different.
If we win on Saturday, the next step is Tyson Fury in November. In our minds, we win that fight, and then 2027 is about trying to recapture the world championship, with the belts currently fragmented across the division. So, two big assignments lie ahead before the world title comes, but the way he’s talking, the end is not near." During the pre‑fight press conference, Joshua himself stressed the significance of the Prenga bout. He framed the fight as a crucial checkpoint on a larger journey, using vivid metaphors to illustrate his mindset.
"I understand there is a big picture," Joshua said. "The goal is to conquer the universe, but first we must conquer Earth. Prenga is my target. It’s my coach versus his coach, my physio versus his physio, my strategist versus his strategist, this fighter versus that fighter.
The reality is there is no universe, no future, unless I get past this checkpoint on Saturday night." Joshua’s remarks reflect a determined attitude, suggesting that he views the fight as more than just a stepping stone; it is a test of his resilience, preparation, and ability to execute under pressure. By framing the contest as a prerequisite to any larger ambitions, he signals that a loss would not only derail his immediate plans but also cast doubt on his long‑term relevance in the heavyweight division. In summary, Hearn’s message to both Joshua and the boxing world is unequivocal: the Prenga fight must be dealt with swiftly and decisively.
A dominant performance will preserve the roadmap toward a Fury showdown and keep the dream of a 2027 world title within reach. Conversely, any lapse could open the door for other contenders and jeopardize the carefully crafted narrative that has been built around Joshua’s comeback. The stakes are high, the timeline is tight, and the eyes of the heavyweight community will be firmly fixed on the Saudi arena this Saturday.