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Kristian Prenga believes Anthony Joshua can still become heavyweight world champion and is backing AJ to defeat Tyson Fury, despite dropping the former two-time champion twice when they shared the ring in July.
Prenga almost stopped Joshua in the first round and had British fans fearing the worst, but AJ regrouped and used his equalizing power to get the job done and keep the Fury fight alive.
Now, Wales has emerged as the leading option to stage the long-awaited British heavyweight saga following uncertainty over a potential move to the United States.
Having experienced Joshua’s strengths and vulnerabilities firsthand, the Albanian heavyweight is better placed than most to assess what AJ still has left.
Prenga believes Joshua retains everything required to reach the top of the heavyweight division again.
Asked by World Boxing News whether Joshua could still become world champion despite being dropped twice during their fight, Prenga refused to rule it out.
“Only God knows what the future holds for AJ. He certainly has the physicality, skillset and work ethic required to get there.”
Prenga came close to one of the biggest heavyweight shocks of the year when he floored Joshua twice during their July 26 clash at the Jeddah Superdome.
The Albanian also caught Joshua against the ropes between the knockdowns and later explained exclusively to WBN that he believed one clean right hand could have finished the fight.
Prenga had also revealed that he was sick for two weeks before fight week and felt the effects after returning to his corner. Joshua survived those opening three minutes before turning the fight around and stopping Prenga in the second round.
Kristian Prenga drops Anthony Joshua during the opening round of their heavyweight bout at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi ArabiaMatchroom Boxing.
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Despite exposing Joshua’s vulnerabilities himself, Prenga gives AJ the edge against Fury.
Asked for his prediction on the long-awaited showdown, Prenga told WBN: “Exciting fight, hard to pick for sure, but I give the nod to AJ being victorious.”
The prediction comes as negotiations continue over finally getting Fury and Joshua into the same ring.
Cardiff’s Principality Stadium has emerged as a leading option after uncertainty surrounding a proposed move to Madison Square Garden in New York. Fury’s manager Spencer Brown has also confirmed that November and December remain in play, with December now being considered as the parties work toward an agreement.
Prenga knows better than most that Joshua can be hurt, having put him on the canvas twice in three minutes. He also knows how quickly AJ can turn a heavyweight fight around once his equalizing power takes over.
Prenga experienced both sides in the space of two dramatic rounds.
Asked when he hopes to return and whether reports that he had signed with Matchroom were accurate, Prenga confirmed no agreement has been reached.
“I have not signed with Matchroom. My manager, Keith Sullivan, is speaking with everyone in the business and we will decide very soon the direction that he recommends.”
Prenga therefore remains without a confirmed next move after coming close to derailing one of the biggest fights in boxing.
While his own future remains undecided, Prenga has made his position on Joshua clear. The man who dropped AJ twice believes he can still become world champion and defeat Fury.
