Anthony Joshua survives two knockdowns, stops Kristian Prenga in second round

Anthony Joshua survived two first-round knockdowns before stopping Kristian Prenga with a devastating second-round knockout at Jeddah Superdome on Saturday night, MMA Fighting reports.

Prenga stunned Joshua with an early uppercut that sent the former heavyweight champion crashing to the canvas. Joshua beat the count but looked unstable on his feet, possibly dealing with a leg injury, per MMA Fighting's live coverage. Prenga landed another ferocious right hand that wobbled Joshua and put him down a second time before the bell.

Joshua's comeback performance sets up Fury fight

Joshua came out aggressive in Round 2, backing Prenga into the corner and unloading combinations as the Albanian heavyweight lost steam. At 2:43, Joshua connected with a clean right hand down the middle that floored Prenga, followed by a right hook that sent him tumbling through the bottom rope. The referee waved off the fight moments later.

"It was more than me that just picked me up," Joshua said after the finish, according to MMA Mania. "It can't just be me. There's a higher power that's calling."

Joshua immediately turned his attention to Tyson Fury, who fought Friday. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed to the crowd that the long-awaited matchup is already signed for later in 2026, MMA Fighting reported. "I'm going to rip his heart out," Joshua shouted from the ring.

The win improves Joshua's record to 29-4 and marks his return to the ring since knocking out Jake Paul last December. Prenga, who entered 20-1 with 20 knockouts, saw his 16-fight win streak snapped. Specific details on fight location and date for Joshua versus Fury are expected soon.

Photo: JazzyJoeyD / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Anthony Joshua survives 2 knockdowns, comes back to flatten Kristian Prenga in second round | MMA Fighting
• mmafighting.com — Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga full fight video highlights | MMA Fighting
• mmafighting.com — Anthony Joshua vs. Kristian Prenga live round-by-round updates | MMA Fighting
• mmamania.com — Highlights! Anthony Joshua Survives Early Knockdown Scare En Route To Second-Round KO | MMA Mania