Anthony Joshua was taking on Kristian Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night
Anthony Joshua recovered from being knocked down to claim a knockout victory over Kristian Prenga. The 36-year-old was taking on Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on his return to the ring.
Joshua was knocked down by Prenga in the opening round but recovered to earn a knockout victory in the second round.
As Joshua was on the canvas for what would be the first of two times in the first round, he gave a wry smile as he got back to his feet just seconds into the fight.
He was also knocked to the floor a second time by Prenga in the first round, but still managed to earn an emphatic victory just a few minutes later in the second round.
Joshua was in danger of the fight being stopped when he hit the canvas a second time in the opening round, before picking himself up, only to be pinned to the ropes by Prenga as he waited for the bell.
This was Joshua’s first time in the ring since defeating Jake Paul back in December last year.
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It was also the first professional fight for Joshua since he survived a car crash in Nigeria back in December, which killed two of his friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele.
Joshua paid tribute to his friends by ensuring that their names were sewn into the canvas in front of his red corner.
After the fight, Joshua was quick to offer his appreciation to Prenga. He said: “I want to give a massive thank you to Kristian Prenga and his team for putting up a good fight. It means a lot to them and me.”
Victory for Joshua means that a potential rematch with Tyson Fury remains on the cards, although an exact date is yet to be fully organised.
On the prospect of another fight with Fury, Joshua told DAZN: “I am going to rip his heart out. I am the meanest and most vicious champion there has ever been!
“All jokes aside, there are two sides to this thing. You have to have that vim as a fighter but also respect.
“I respect everything he has done and achieved but as a someone who has been calling for this fight for some time, it is here now. I hope the fans will be in for a lovely treat.”