The two-time Unified Heavyweight World Champion will fight in Jeddah for the second time, this time as the headliner at the 40,000-seater, cutting-edge arena in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in conjunction with Matchroom Boxing, SELA, Goldstar, Riyadh Season, and Jeddah Seasons.
Joshua defeated Oleksandr Usyk, the current lineal heavyweight champion and his new stablemate, via split decision in his most recent trip to Jeddah in 2023.
However, when he faces Albanian knockout fighter Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs) in “The Comeback” this summer, the legendary British boxer will be hoping for a better result.
At a launch press conference in London this evening, AJ (29-6, 26 KOs) evaluated his opponent for the first time and stated he is certain he will win in style in Jeddah.
Joshua stated, “I know exactly what I need to do,” when speaking at Exhibition White City. “I’m not worried about respecting this particular opponent, but when I look at myself, I know I’m going to deliver. This is my division.”
“July 25 in Jeddah, the best man will win. I’m going to go in there and show how good I am. I’m going to show him my class, my skill and my boxing IQ and see if he can survive my power as well.”
Prenga, however, maintained that he is determined to pull off a major shock and is not travelling to Jeddah to make up the numbers.
“I respect AJ, he’s a great fighter and I’ve watched him from his first fight, but I think now is my time.” Prenga stated.
“I’ve trained more than ever, I feel great, I feel ready and I’m going to show the world. I’m not a talker, I’m a puncher. If I catch you [AJ] you’ve never felt a punch like it. I respect him but in the ring I have no respect for anybody.”
Eddie Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport, is thrilled to see Joshua back in the ring and praised his tenacity in making a comeback to the heavyweight class.
Hearn said: “We’re incredibly proud of what he’s done to return to the ring physically, mentally, emotionally, and as AJ said, boxing is his purpose.”
“The reason why we have these big heavyweight matchups is because of the energy and purpose that this man injected into the sport over the last 15 years. It’s one of the great comebacks and I think you will see the very best Anthony Joshua in Jeddah on July 25.”
Rick Reeno, the CEO of The Ring, emphasised the qualifications of Joshua’s Albanian opponent and expressed excitement for his return to Jeddah.
“The heavyweight division needs Anthony Joshua’s return,” Reeno stated. “We know Prenga can punch, but we don’t know whether or not he can deal with a world-class operator like AJ.”
Source: newsthemegh.com