HEARN BACKS JOSHUA TO RETURN WITH A BANG AGAINST PRENGA

By: Gyang Dakwo

Former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has received a strong vote of confidence ahead of his return to the ring on Saturday, July 25, with Matchroom president Barry Hearn predicting a dominant performance against Albania’s Kristian Prenga in Saudi Arabia.

Joshua will step into the ring for the first time since surviving a fatal road accident in Sagamu, Ogun State, on December 29, an incident that claimed the lives of two of his close friends.

Hearn believes the setback has only strengthened the resolve of the London 2012 Olympic Games gold medallist, who he says is now in the best shape of his career and fully focused on reclaiming his place among boxing’s elite.

The Matchroom boss, who has worked closely with Joshua since his rise to prominence in 2012, said the former two-time world champion has shown remarkable commitment during his preparations and is ready to make a statement against Prenga

“AJ looks in the shape of his life. He has been training at Usyk’s camp. He is tremendously motivated, not just to win but to put on a show,” Hearn said. “He is a ferocious animal at the moment, and you will see a ferocious animal in there. Do not blink, look for fireworks.”

Joshua has not fought since stopping American YouTuber Jake Paul in December, but Hearn believes the long break has not affected the heavyweight’s sharpness.

He added that Joshua’s training alongside former undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk has helped sharpen his focus as he prepares for another attempt at regaining the world titles he once held.

Although little is known about Prenga, Hearn admitted that the Albanian cannot be overlooked and warned that Joshua must remain fully prepared.

“Prenga is dangerous. We do not know too much about him, but Joshua is not taking anything for granted. He knows he has a job to do, and he will be ruthlessly efficient,” he said.

Joshua, 36, will be hoping to begin the next chapter of his career with a convincing victory as he continues his pursuit of another world heavyweight title opportunity.