Joshua vs Prenga: Three Weeks Out, And Fury Is Waiting In The Wings

• Anthony Joshua returns on July 25 against unbeaten Albanian puncher Kristian Prenga in a comeback tune-up
• The fight is a warm-up for a signed all-British showdown with Tyson Fury pencilled in for late 2026
• Luke expects a statement stoppage from AJ, but warns Prenga's 20-1 record with 20 KOs means one lapse is dangerous

AJ Is Back — And The Clock Is Ticking

Right then, we're three weeks out from Anthony Joshua climbing back through the ropes, and there's a lot riding on it. On July 25 he faces Kristian Prenga, and let's not beat around the bush — this is a warm-up. The real prize is a signed showdown with Tyson Fury, the biggest all-British fight ever made, pencilled in for later this year. Make no mistake, AJ needs to look the part here. After everything he's been through away from boxing, this is as much about rhythm, timing and confidence as it is about the man opposite him. A sharp, clinical night sells the Fury fight. A ropey one hands Fury all the ammunition he needs.

Don't Sleep On Prenga

Here's where I won't sit on the fence: Kristian Prenga is a live underdog dressed up as a soft touch. The Albanian, fighting out of New Jersey, brings a record of 20 wins and one loss with every single victory coming by knockout. That's not a CV you completely ignore, even if the level has been modest. Prenga has one job — load up and swing for the fences, hoping to catch a returning AJ cold. Joshua has always been catchable, and a big banger with nothing to lose is exactly the kind of opponent who can make a comeback night nervy. He won't outbox AJ, but he'll be looking to land the one shot that changes everything.

My Verdict

Time to call it. Joshua is levels above Prenga in skill, speed and pedigree, and I expect him to treat this like the audition it is. I'm backing AJ to be patient early, find the range, and take Prenga out inside four or five rounds with a proper statement finish. Do that, and the countdown to Fury really begins. Get careless, and this warm-up could get very warm indeed — but I don't see it. Joshua by emphatic stoppage.