Anthony Joshua knocks out Kristian Prenga after worst round of his career

Anthony Joshua knocks out Kristian Prenga after worst round of his career Last updated 26 July 2026 12:20am BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Anthony Joshua paid tribute to his two late friends after the fight Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images Alexander Netherton. James Corrigan live updates Last updated 26 July 2026 12:20am BST Save Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Add us as preferred source Add us as preferred source Copy link X Icon twitter Facebook Icon facebook WhatsApp Icon whatsapp email Anthony Joshua was out on his feet and the end of career was but seconds away. There was at least £100m on the line as the rank outsider Kristian Prenga stood over him, seemingly on the brink of one of the great heavyweight boxing shocks. But, in two of the craziest rounds boxing has ever seen, the unheralded Albanian hesitated and missed the shot of a lifetime. Joshua had to endure another count by the end of that ridiculous first round and it seemed a case of when not if they could still sell the co-called “Battle of Britain” against Tyson Fury at the end of this year. He came through, hammering him to the canvas in the second round. Joshua was so fortunate. If Prenga had followed up his onslaughts that would have rendered the AJ folklore over. But the opponent seemed almost as startled as the crowd and instead of completing the job went into dancing around the edges. Joshua was in pain but he got up and made Prenga pay. The loser then froze. Perhaps it was preferable that Fury declined to appear at the Jeddah Superdrome to see Joshua complete what was considered the formality to at least ensure that “The Battle Of Britain”  occurs later this year. Instead of the hype, there was an overload of realism. As it was, it turned into touching scene and really did not require Fury in attendance – after his own facile success in Thailand on Friday - triggering the promotion with the customary nonsensical, but also obligatory abuse. Joshua had something of actual substance to consider. Where is Fury? 😑 — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 This was Joshua’s first official fight since the Daniel Dubois humiliation almost two years ago (there was the exhibition against Jake Paul late last year, but that was more about website hits than actual punches on the chin). However, this was not simply Joshua negotiating a warm-up for the fight for which the boxing world has waited. This seemed more like a grieving man crossing his personal rubicon. To Joshua, there were four names headlining the bill. The two white garlands on Joshua’s camouflage attire featured the names of his two late friends Credit: Richard Pelham/Getty Images Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both fitness coaches, were lifelong friends, but after the fatal crash in Nigeria in December – in which Joshua escaped with relatively insignificant injuries – were not there in Jeddah. Joshua clearly carried that weight and so he took that into his performance. “It’s been tough,” he said, before adding “I don’t want to talk about it.” Joshua now has Oleksandr Usyk on his side, which should wind up Team Fury, if nothing else. The drama intensifies and after this will only intensify. Fury will properly fancy it, however, after this. Latest updates Alexander Netherton. James Corrigan live updates 11:54PM Hearn says Joshua vs Fury contract ‘done’ Link copied to clipboard Eddie Hearn spoke after Joshua, and addressed the likelihood of the fight with Tyson Fury going ahead. He answered clearly: “We’ve signed the contract, it’s done.” The promoter then effusively praised Joshua for all the hard work he had put in during the last seven months, in a training camp with Oleksandr Usyk while he dealt with his grief. Anthony Joshua CALLS OUT Tyson Fury next! 👀#JoshuaPrenga ▪️ pic.twitter.com/HZ1OMKQqmr — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 11:52PM ‘It’s a higher power calling’ Link copied to clipboard In the ring, asked about his recovery after his first-round disaster, Joshua answered: “It was more than me that picked me up in that situation, it can’t just be me. It’s a higher power that’s calling. He continued: “Have we got Tyson Fury in the room actually? Is he here or not? Fair do’s. I’mma rip his heart out. I’m the meanest champion there’s ever been. Nobody can’t stop me! “All jokes aside. There’s two sides to this things. One is fire, that vim. Also there’s respect. I respect everything he’s done and achieved as a fighting person. He’s been calling for that fight.” Joshua then praises Prenga for his efforts, adding: “He’s a strong guy, I think Eddie Hearn wants to sign him now. He’s going to do well, he’s got a bright future. I’m a serious fighter, maybe with a bit more experience he’ll be up there with the rest of us.” Turning to discuss the two friends he lost in December last year, he said: “That was Lats, that was Sina, that was family. “It’s been tough. They’re my brothers. I don’t want to talk about it.” "I can't be stopped, I'm not gonna be stopped, I'm not gonna be denied" 😤#JoshuaPrenga ▪️ pic.twitter.com/ZBbnBkbn11 — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026   11:43PM Joshua vs Fury looms Link copied to clipboard Fury beat Wach last night with a seventh round retirement. It was by all accounts a trundling, uninspired win. Joshua beat Prenga after two first-round knockdowns, and his face looked almost on the verge of tears at that point. He looked like he was kidding himself that he wanted to continue.  He gingerly touched his thigh in the second round, but then he just reverted to type. The brutal power and ruthlessness he has had for 13 years came right back, Usyk was on his feet in celebratory relief. What more does he have to give? What more can Fury do? I think we have absolutely no idea. Usyk, on the sideline, looks more relieved than anyone. 11:39PM Joshua finishes from nowhere Link copied to clipboard A solid jab, a huge right, and Prenga falls to the canvas, his head and body halfway through the ring’s ropes. He stands in the corner and celebrates wildly, but I think we know less now than we did at the start of the fight. ANTHONY JOSHUA KNOCKS OUT KRISTIAN PRENGA IN ROUND 2 👏#JoshuaPrenga pic.twitter.com/MXKjK3cGJM — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 11:37PM Joshua vs Prenga - Round 2 Link copied to clipboard Joshua’s knee looks better in the early stages of the fight. He then reaches down to touch his thigh, possibly proving me wrong within seconds. This time though, Joshua lands a few on Prenga and the Albanian backs off into the corner, looking hurt. With a minute of the second round to go, Joshua isn’t over-comitting, and he looks much steadier for now. From nowhere, Joshua then lands a brutal two-punch combo, and Prenga crashes through the ropes! Joshua’s won! What happened here? From defeat to victory in minutes. An astonishing win. He risked disaster and delivered a second-round knockout. 11:34PM Joshua vs Prenga - Round 1 Link copied to clipboard Joshua falls to the ground in the first 20 seconds. It’s counted as a knockdown, but I’m initially not convinced it was a really rattling blow. Joshua eats a couple more blows and he is up against the ropes, unsteady on his feet. He is shocked. This looks like a potential disaster because there are already 90 seconds left of the fight. A clinch buys a few seconds before they are separated. Prenga then wrestles him to the floor and it looks like Joshua has hurt his knee too. This is rotten for, or from, Joshua. He goes down again! His face is betraying some deep concern, and there are seconds left of the first round - he rides them out but in some ways, he looks beaten. ANTHONY JOSHUA GOES DOWN IN ROUND 1 😱 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucI53 | Live now | Danger Before Destiny pic.twitter.com/twHnJaSGU3 — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 11:23PM Joshua’s ringwalk Link copied to clipboard A fairly sombre walk to the ring. Perhaps it’s given the events of the winter, perhaps he knows he can’t give it the big one after more than a year away from serious boxing unless he wins tonight. THE COMEBACK HAS STARTED! AJ IS MAKING HIS RING WALK NOW‼️ 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | Live now | Danger Before Destiny ▪️ pic.twitter.com/rsTfjuESP1 — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 11:19PM Prenga’s ringwalk Link copied to clipboard The Albanian comes out first. He looks confident enough, but he will be aware he is the stark underdog. He often finishes with early KOs - imagine if that happens tonight. 11:13PM Will Fury show? Link copied to clipboard Tyson Fury was in Thailand yesterday, and there continues to be speculation he will show at ringside after the fight. The denials have been relentless, but the question keeps being asked. Where is Fury? 😑 — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 11:08PM Sheeraz interested in Canelo Link copied to clipboard Canelo likes big fights, he also likes collecting belts. On that showing, Canelo will not be expecting anything but an easy belt to win if he does meet Sheeraz. We’re about 15 minutes from the main event ringwalks. Hamzah Sheeraz will have his eyes on Canelo vs Mbilli 👀 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | Live now | Danger Before Destiny ▪️ pic.twitter.com/RMi07kggmT — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 11:03PM “I got the win, that’s all that matters.” Link copied to clipboard A slightly concerning answer from Sheeraz, there, after a flat performance. Sheeraz claims he needs someone who “presents a challenge” and admits he “switched off.” Those are worrying comments as a reaction, and you hope that he is aware that there are failings.  He confirms there were no problems with his right hand, and says he will attend the upcoming Canelo fight, and says “let’s make the big one happen.” Up next, Joshua vs Prenga. 11:00PM Sheeraz retains his title Link copied to clipboard Tony Bellew calls that, “a disappointing win,” before the scorecards are announced. The scores are 114-114, 115-113, 116-112. That is a majority decision win for Sheeraz, but that is also a stark warning.  It was not good enough to sustain a serious attempt to build a legacy for Sheeraz, and we’ll hear from him soon. 10:57PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 12 Link copied to clipboard A frustrating spectacle comes to an end. Whistles come from the crowd more than a minute towards the final bell, which might be encouragement, and might be a loss of patience. We’ll see what the judges say, but there’s almost no chance of an upset here. Elsewhere, Usyk is getting comfy. Usyk watching AJ get warmed up! 🤗 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucI53 | Live now | Danger Before Destiny 🤳 pic.twitter.com/lBU5l1p7Vr — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 10:53PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 11 Link copied to clipboard Zachenhuber continues to work hard, perhaps looking to rescue a win with a surprise stoppage. He clearly does not have the power, and Sheeraz’s defence is too solid for now.  Let’s hope the Joshua fight has some explosiveness, because this is a quiet, quiet co-main. One more round to go. Less of the same, please. 10:49PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 10 Link copied to clipboard Sometimes rounds of boxing don’t really have any boxing of note. That was one of them. Carl Frampton, commentating, is certain Sheeraz has a problem because he’s not fighting to his usual standards. We might find out in the post-fight interview. Andy Lee says Zachenhuber is trying to survive, so tells him to push it in the penultimate round. 10:44PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 9 Link copied to clipboard Unofficial cards have Sheeraz ahead, but with Zachenhuber showing up later in the fight. Sheeraz finally lands a tasty uppercut but lets the pressure drift off. Despite that, he dominates the rest of the round without risking getting hurt. Next up, the championship rounds. Kristian Prenga getting warmed up! 🔥 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucI53 | Live now | Danger Before Destiny 🤳 pic.twitter.com/mLhynAOr9D — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 10:40PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 8 Link copied to clipboard Sheeraz has 75 power punches landed, and his oppoent 40, off a similar number thrown. Sheeraz, then, is the more accurate boxer so far tonight, but it hasn’t yet become intense enough for Sheeraz to force a finish.  Sheeraz aims for the organs, just below the ribs, with a rare, vicious snap.  10:37PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 7 Link copied to clipboard Sheeraz has hurt his hand before, fighting against Carlos Adames a year or so back.  That means Sheeraz has some experience on how to manage it, but his worry will be that the fight ended as a draw, the only time he has failed to win in his career. Could that be throwing his focus off? The seventh round trails off largely as the sixth did, and Zachenhuber looks comfortable enough now. 10:33PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 6 Link copied to clipboard Andy Lee tells Sheeraz to open up the left side before the round begins. Halfway through the round, Zachenhuber is half-crouching against the ropes, and Sheeraz opens up with a small combination, but not with any serious fire. The champion is on top, but fighting within himself so far. The commentators wonder if his right hand is hurt, as some kind of explanation for his reluctance to send his right-handers down. 10:29PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 5 Link copied to clipboard Hamzah starts to walk Zachenhuber down, but the German is happy to give plenty back when he’s given the chance. Sheeraz is finding space between the gloves, though he’s still failing to connect with that uppercut. Zachenhuber now looks hurt, and is getting ragged in his defence. There’s not enough time in the fifth to end this, but it could be in the post now. 10:25PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 4 Link copied to clipboard Sheeraz misses with a wild uppercut but connects with a jab moments after. A comfortable round for both, but Sheeraz looks like he will cruise to a points victory if he isn’t challenged here. 10:20PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 3 Link copied to clipboard Sheeraz is starting to look for a way through for his uppercut. He starts to make some heavier contact as the round progresses, and rattles Zachenhuber’s nose to make a significant impact.  Sheeraz has served a warning, and another just as the round ends. 10:17PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 2 Link copied to clipboard Sheeraz puts a bit more pressure on in the second round. His rangy jab gives him the chance to keep distance, but Zachenhuber is finding his way through Sheeraz’s guard quite regularly. 10:13PM Sheeraz vs Zachenhuber - Round 1 Link copied to clipboard Just 63 days after becoming champion, Sheeraz begins his defence. Sheeraz has control of the ring but it’s a fairly bloodless opening round, and both fighters seemed content to take in their opponent rather than committing to serious aggression. The challenger may have thrown more punches, but there’s little in it so far. Hamzah Sheeraz is now in the ring! 👏 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | Live now | Danger Before Destiny ▪️ pic.twitter.com/elG0Lt5LGI — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 10:06PM Sheeraz begins his ringwalk Link copied to clipboard Before the fight starts, Kelly was asked about Boots Ennis. His reply was short: “Styles make fights. Don’t worry.” Josh Kelly has a small message for Jaron "Boots" Ennis 🗣️ 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucI53 | Live now | Danger Before Destiny 🤳 pic.twitter.com/V6G40eZ5G6 — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 10:00PM ‘One of the pound-for-pound best fighters’ Link copied to clipboard Carl Frampton declares Sheeraz as “one of the best pound-for-pound fighters” in Britain, which is no little praise. A world champion already, he now needs to prove himself as a durable beltholder. Ringwalks await. 9:57PM Joshua pre-fight preparation begins Link copied to clipboard Anthony Joshua is getting his hands wrapped up. The fight is expected to take place in about an hour. Anthony Joshua and Kristian Prenga getting their hands wrapped ahead of tonight's fight! 🔥 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucI53 | Live now | Danger Before Destiny 🤳 pic.twitter.com/QAPhNIYZSF — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 9:54PM Hearn expects more from Joshua Link copied to clipboard After the training camp with Usyk for Joshua, Eddie Hearn thinks his charge will go up another level. If he doesn’t, after all, the Fury fight looks like a problem to sell. Eddie Hearn explains how a brutal Oleksandr Usyk training camp has taken Anthony Joshua to another level 📈🙌 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | July 25 | Danger Before Destiny 🤳 pic.twitter.com/NEb8umdlh5 — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 9:48PM Kelly wants the big fights Link copied to clipboard Asked about Ennis as the next fight, it’s fair to say Kelly wasn’t desperate for anyone in particular. He needs to get to see that nose fixed, because it looks like a potential problem for every fight to come. Josh Kelly wants the BIG NAMES next! Could it be Boots next? 🥾 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | Live now | Danger Before Destiny ▪️ pic.twitter.com/c7wCTzClLF — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 9:45PM Up next is Hamzah Sheeraz. Link copied to clipboard He will defend his WBO super middleweight strap against Simon Zachenhuber. A win tonight would keep his unbeaten 23-0-1 record intact, and with suggestions he could fight Canelo Alvarez next, it would tee up the biggest fight of his career nicely.   9:34PM Kelly still champion! Link copied to clipboard 114-113, 115-112, 115-12 is the score on the cards. The win goes to Kelly, who retains his belt. That was a tough defence for the incumbent, who had an excellent start that allowed him to hold off a challenge from Agyarko. That cut to his nose looks potentially worrying for the future, but for now he’ll focus on taking the win and working out how to sharpen up for better challengers. Kelly concedes it was a, “messy, hard fight.” He says a “stylistic change-up” in the later rounds was the reason for his win, and credits the crowd, as well as both Jesus and Allah. Asked about “Boots” Ennis as a future challenge, he refuses to commit to a name up next. 9:31PM Kelly vs Agyarko - Round 12 Link copied to clipboard The pair embrace, with Agyarko acting as if he has won. Kelly goes to a neutral corner and celebrates too. We wait for the judges. It’s too close to call with any confidence. Boxing scoring is tough at the best of times. Josh Kelly took a lot of damage! Straight from a Horror movie 😱 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | Live now | Danger Before Destiny▪️ pic.twitter.com/FwD6j2MgcL — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 9:26PM Kelly vs Agyarko - Round 11 Link copied to clipboard Agyarko is starting to open up, and also open up Kelly’s nose, which is now streaming with blood.  Kelly gets cleaned up in the corner ahead of the final round. 9:23PM Kelly vs Agyarko - Round 10 Link copied to clipboard Kelly is still looking a little bit of a mess. The fight now depends on whether the early lead Kelly probably built up on the cards will hold off his opponent’s resurgence. Josh Kelly's face at the moment 🫣 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucI53 | Live now | Danger Before Destiny ▪️ pic.twitter.com/U3iVwC3EdS — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 9:18PM Kelly vs Agyarko - Round 9 Link copied to clipboard Kelly and Agyarko both open up towards the end of the ninth and as we approach the championship rounds, both fighters will feel they can win from here.  Kelly’s face is bloodied now, with his corner claiming it’s the result of an elbow. 9:12PM Kelly vs Agyarko in round 7 Link copied to clipboard Right now, IBF light welterweight champion Josh Kelly is defending against Caoimhin Agyarko. Agyarko has perhaps left Kelly surprised by the scale of the challenge in the first defence of his title. 9:00PM Usyk: “AJ today is better” Link copied to clipboard Usyk beat Joshua twice, first in 2021, and then in their rematch. Both wins were comfortable for the Ukrainian, and since then he has taken to training with the Briton. Speaking ahead of the fight tonight, he claimed that Joshua is now a better fighter after their fights. "AJ today is better" 🗣️ Usyk says AJ is better now than he was when they fought! 🎟️ Buy #JoshuaPrenga NOW at https://t.co/FoiaUucafv | Live now | Danger Before Destiny ▪️ pic.twitter.com/iECKkj3rJf — DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) July 25, 2026 8:57PM Fury says Preng fight is Joshua’s ‘biggest test of all’ Link copied to clipboard After getting past Wach, Fury put the pressure on Joshua as he gave his opinion on their future fight. ”Let me tell you something. I’ve been through my test tonight. Let’s see if he can get through his test.” Fury said. ”The biggest test of all is how big his b***s are.” ”He’s a big s***house. He never had the guts to get in a ring and face me. Let’s see if he ever does. I’m not convinced. ”Is it going to be in Vegas? Is it going to be in New York? Is it going to be in Ireland? Is it going to be in London? Who knows where the fight will be? It might even be in Pattaya, Thailand!” 8:54PM ‘Every time I think about them, it hurts’ Link copied to clipboard The excellent Gareth A Davies has featured in Telegraph Sport with his analysis, and reflected on how Joshua is evidently still working through his grief. Joshua said: “It’s tough, every time I think about it, it hurts. “Even talking about it now... pictures… it hurts but I keep my mind occupied you know. “If I stop, you let it sink in and I’m not ready for it to sink in yet.” Davies writes, “Boxers usually construct impenetrable armour before a fight, projecting invincibility. Joshua, instead, has offered a glimpse of an unhealed scar..” 8:51PM Joshua’s first fight since tragedy Link copied to clipboard Joshua, of course, may be wrestling with something bigger than boxing. Shortly after the fight in December against Paul, he was in Nigeria with some of his friends, and was involved in a car accident which cost two of them their lives. Joshua was lucky to walk away relatively unscathed, but his personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength coach, Sina Ghami, died. Of course, that could be on his mind as he makes his first fight since their deaths. 8:27PM Joshua faces the final test before Fury Link copied to clipboard Welcome to Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight clash with Kristian Prenga, taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The kingdom plays host to yet another major boxing event, and this is the second part of a weekend that serves as a build-up to a potentially huge match-up later this year. Prenga’s 20 wins have come against pedestrian opposition, and if he wins tonight then it would be such an upset as to probably finish Joshua’s career as a real name in the sport. Joshua, the former unified champion, has plenty of defeats to his name. Oleksandr Usyk, twice, as well as Daniel Dubois and Andy Ruiz Jnr. Tonight should show us where he is. After his loss to Dubois in 2024 he did not fight again until December 2025, when he rearranged Jake Paul’s ability first to stand up, and second, to chew. A win for Joshua tonight means that all eyes turn to the end of the year, when he is expected to finally meet Tyson Fury in the ring to settle their rivalry. Now both are deposed champions, the interest has waned a tad, but it remains the biggest all-British clash that anybody could conceive. Fury, for his part, had little trouble against Mariusz Wach last night, the 46-year-old journeyman who he fought in Thailand. While that was not broadcast live, the clips online hardly suggested it was a classic, but it was enough to keep Fury active as he maintained his focus and avoided his own banana skin. Joshua now needs to show that he is capable of finishing a fight. If he struggles, he invites pressure for the next four or five months in the build-up to meeting Fury.