By Femi Atolagbe
Two-time heavyweight world champion, Anthony Joshua, produced a remarkable comeback to stop Kristian Prenga in the second round on Sunday, overcoming two first-round knockdowns to mark a triumphant return to the ring and move a step closer to a long-awaited all-British showdown with Tyson Fury.
Fighting at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, Joshua was making his first appearance since being involved in a car crash in Nigeria in December that claimed the lives of two close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
The bout also marked Joshua’s first outing since his fifth-round knockout defeat to IBF world champion Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium in September 2024.
The 35-year-old endured a nightmare start against Albania’s dangerous puncher, who entered the contest with 20 knockouts in 21 victories. Prenga sent Joshua crashing to the canvas with a right uppercut just 20 seconds into the opening round.
Joshua was soon in trouble again as Prenga pinned him on the ropes, leaving the former champion unsteady before another heavy blow sent him down for a second time late in the first round.
However, Joshua regained his composure after the interval and began to dictate the pace behind a sharp jab.
He forced Prenga backwards into the corner, landed several clean punches and then unleashed a devastating finishing combination that sent the Albanian tumbling through the ropes.
The referee immediately waved off the contest at two minutes and 43 seconds of the second round.
The victory improves Joshua’s professional record to 30 wins and four defeats, with 27 of those victories coming by knockout.
Joshua’s emphatic return is expected to reignite discussions over a blockbuster domestic clash with Tyson Fury, one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in British boxing.